November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
For a nearly identical example, see pages 202 and 203, number 96 in "Historic Pistols" by Samuel E. Smith and Edwin W. Bitter. This is one of the standard 1807 Contract pistols supplied by Henry under two contracts, one for 150 pairs and the other for an additional 600 pairs. The pistols were delivered between 1808 and 1810, but only 1,468 were delivered. Joseph Henry supplied more pistols than any other 1807 contractor. The 10 - 3/8" round smoothbore steel barrel is in .54 caliber and has a small brass half moon front sight and the left side of the breech is deeply stamped with an eagle's head over a "P". The top of the barrel, near the breech is stamped "J. HENRY PHILA". The flat lockplate is stamped vertically at the tail "J. HENRY / PHILA" and "US" in the center. Standard brass 1807 furniture and plain walnut stock. Complete with a period brass-tipped wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a light brown patina with excellent markings and some minor scattered spotting. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and shows some light pitting and dark brown patina. Stock is very good and retains a dark patina, some light storage marks and a small chip on right side around pommel cap. An exceptionally good and honest example. DMG PROVENANCE: From the Collection of author Rick Hudak.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore