October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
This pistol is featured as number 128 on pages 266-267 of "Historic Pistols" by Samuel E. Smith and Edwin W. Bitter. It was once a Chamber's alteration , as is evident by the piece of wood replaced near the barrel. It was apparently reconverted back to flint by the government. Thomas French was a partner int he firm of French, Blake & Kinsley, who has a musket contract dated 1808 for 4,000 stand of arms. It is believed that Blake was the stockmaker for French pistols and some are marked "Blake". The round, smoothbore barrel is stamped at the breech with the typical "PM / PC" in a sunken rectangle and "M" over 1814, as well as "EY". The internal lock parts are numbered 40. The flat lockplate has a molded tail and is marked "CANTON" vertically. There is no French marking, but there are faint traces of an eagle over "US". The pistol has an iron backstrap running from and integral with the barrel tang and pommel cap. The brass furniture includes an unusual trigger guard with an acorn finial, a plain round pommel cap; and a small, round escutcheon around the front lock screw. There is a large iron belt hook with the tang inlaid into the stock and retained by the rear lock screw. CONDITION: Barrel and lock have been cleaned and retain a pitted, grey surface. Barrel markings are good and visible. Lock markings show wear. Lock has been reconverted. Belt hook is original and shows some pitting. Brass furniture retains a mellowing patina and shows some scattered marks and wear. Stock shows heavy wear and scattered marks from use. There is a piece of wood replaced beneath the belt hook and a piece above the front lock tang. Ramrod is a replacement. PROVENANCE: S.E. Smith Collection. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.62 Smoothbore
Paperwork
Excerpt from Historic Pistols