The Springfield Armory made a total of 1,000 Model 1817 pistols in 1817-1818. They are one of only three pistol models manufactured at the armory. The pommel cap on this example and at least one other that we have cataloged have keyed slots for mounting a shoulder stock and the areas of the stocks under the caps were drilled out. All 1,000 pistols from this contract were still at Springfield in 1850, so they may have been part of the testing of pistols with detachable stocks. There is a small "12" marked by the slot on the pommel cap similar to the stock numbers stamped on the pistol-carbines. The other example we cataloged had "6" or "9" in the same location. A shoulder stock with a brass buttplate accompanies the pistol.

Good with gray and brown patina, refinished blue on the lock, moderate pitting, some chips/flakes on the wood, and general mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.