September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
This pistol is pictured in 2 important reference books. It is shown as the first pistol in the book "Historic Pistols" on page 4 by Samuel Smith and Edward Bitter. It is described as a Colonial Pistol from York, Pennsylvania, and is referred to as a Committee of Safety pistol. The description details its original discovery by the iconic Joe Kindig of York, Pennsylvania. It states that it was found in an attic in York, Pennsylvania, in 1954 and came into the collection of Joe Kindig. Later, it was purchased by Samuel Smith, the co-author of "Historic Pistols". Eventually, it was in other well-known collections, including the Steve Hench Collection, then finally to a private collector. The pistol is also featured on page 202 of "Arms & Armor in Colonial America" by Harold Peterson as well as an October 1995 article by Peterson in "The American Rifleman". It is American-made, probably in York, Pennsylvania, and features an early circa 1710 Dutch military trigger guard, or is American made in that style. The barrel has a faceted breech section and fades to round with a brass front blade sight. The banana lock, sheet brass sideplate and other components are of American manufacture. The stock is maple and terminates with a brass nosecap, a signature feature of American-made Revolutionary War pistols and Kentucky rifles. The frizzen has an applied "shoe" and a later cock that was obviously replaced during its extended period of use. Mr. Smith calls it a Committee of Safety pistol in his book, which is very possible, as it dates to the third quarter of the 18th century. The wooden ramrod appears to be its original ramrod. CONDITION: The barrel retains a pleasing untouched brown patina. Lock retains a matching brown patina, is in its original flintlock configuration, and functions properly. Brass retains an untouched very dark mustard patina. The stock has a pleasing color and original surface, with a small number of cosmetic wood chips touched up around the elongated straps of the pommel cap and one minor sliver above lock tang. This is the earliest pistol shown in "Historic Pistols" and was placed prominently as the first pistol featured in the book. This is a classic American Revolutionary War pistol, with its original discovery and provenance described, was selected by the authors to highlight this period. A copy of the pages where it is featured in both books accompanies the pistol.
Caliber/Bore
.62 Smoothbore