October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
This is perhaps the only silver mounted Simeon North target or dueling pistol in existence. Any Simeon North pistol of this style is rare, especially accompanied by retailer markings of Dittrich in Mobile, Alabama. This example has a smoothbore octagonal barrel with hooked patent breech, top flat stamped "J.R. DITTRICH / MOBILE" as well as partially visible "Connecticut" in script. Barrel retains some Damascus finish. There is a small front post sight and a notched rear sight, mounted on the engraved tang. Flat lockplate engraved on tail with a scene of a tree and house, center inscribed "North" above Middletown, Conn". Lock is engraved with an acanthus leaf border. The left side features a period and original belthook with the tang inlaid around and behind the lock retaining screw. There is is silver rib mounted on the bottom of the barrel with a ringed silver ramrod ferrule. The mounts are all of solid sterling silver, including the silver oval wrist escutcheon with vacant inscription, the barrel wedge escutcheons, the tip of the ebony ramrod, and the target trigger guard with a pineapple finial, acanthus leaf borders and engraved designs on the bow. Partially figured walnut half-stock with shaped checkered panels on each side of the grip, relief panels around the lock and sideplate, and a silver nosecap. Complete with original silver-tipped ebony ramrod. The pistol has an adjustable set trigger. CONDITION: Barrel shows some wear and light light pitting, retaining a brown patina with visible Damascus. Stamped retailer markings are clear but "Connecticut" marking is only partially visible. Lock is a reconversion and retains a grey patina, some wear to "Middletown", which is only partially visible. Silver mounts are excellent, showing little wear and mostly polished, retaining some old dark patina in protected areas. Stock shows some marring to checkering and has one minor splinter replaced near nosecap on right side, probably during period of use. Bore has been polished bright. With some restoration, this has great potential. Belthook shows a grey patina with some scattered pitting. A fantastic Alabama retailer marked silver-mounted North pistol. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.56 Smoothbore
Model
Target/Dueling Pistol