Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction - September 9, 10 & 11, 2011
September 9, 10 & 11, 2011
Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction
| Lot #: 1101 | Estimated Price: $15,000 - $35,000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol with Unique Pattern Model Sights | |||
       Click on the image(s) above to view a larger version | |||
| Got one to sell | |||
| LOT SOLD | |||
| Serial #: | 2008 | Manufacturer: | Harpers Ferry Armory Muskets And Carbines |
| Model: | 1805 | Type: | pistol |
| Gauge: | 54 cal. | Catalog Page: | 225 |
| Barrel Length: | 10 1/16 In | Finish: | brown |
| Grip: | N/A | Stock: | walnut |
| Class: | Antique | ||
| Condition Rating: | |||
| Description: | The product of an order issued in November of 1805 by Henry Dearborn, American Secretary of war to Joseph Perkins, Superintendant and Master Armorer of Harper's Ferry arsenal, calling for 2000 braces of pistols, made in the style of the English Light Dragoon model. The order (retype included) specified the particulars, including basic dimensions and sight arrangement, the latter specifically "Tang V-Notched Rear Sight - Small Brass -Sight near Muzzle". Unfortunately, Perkins passed away in December of 1806, and an error in communication with his successor, James Stubblefield, resulting in the pistols originally being made with no sights, and then some of the pattern guns (including this example) being made with the rear sight on the barrel instead of the tang. 4096 of these pistols would be made in total. The pistol has a 10 1/16-inch round, smoothbore barrel with iron rib that supports an iron ramrod ferrule. The barrel has a dove-tail mounted front sight with brass blade and a dove-tail mounted, iron, rear sight located two-inches ahead of the tang. The lock plate is flat with beveled edges and a pointed tip. The lock has a integral, fenced, iron pan and a flat-faced, reinforced cock. The barrel band, ramrod end-pipe, trigger guard, side plate and strapped buttcap are brass. The pistol has a hickory ramrod with brass tip. The wedge-fastened stock is black walnut. The lock is marked: "HARPERS/FERRY/1808" in three vertical lines at the tail and stamped with the Eagle and Shield motif above "US" in front of the hammer. The left side of the barrel is stamped with an eagle head/P proof mark and "US" inspection mark in sunken, oval cartouches followed by the number "2008". The consignor notes state that the pistol is also marked with the initials of Harpers Ferry Armory pattern maker George Flegel (GF) and lock assembler Vince C. Winkel (3 WV), and properly lacks the Stubblefield "V" stamp, indicating that it was made as a pattern gun. | ||
| Condition: | Good. The barrel and lock have a deep brown patina. Metal surfaces are generally smooth although there is light flash pitting on the right side of the barrel and adjacent areas of the lock, pan and hammer. The barrel and lock markings are clear. The patina on the front and rear sights matches the patina on the rest of the pistol. The brass furniture has an attractive patina and is in good condition. The stock is in good condition with moderate handling wear and one minor, hairline crack that runs from the upper tang screw to the barrel. There are no visible inspection marks on the left stock flat. The pistol appears to be in the original flintlock configuration. This is a rare example of a truly unique pattern model of the U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1805 Pistol. | ||
