These seldom encountered Simeon North U.S. Model 1813 pistols were the first U.S. martial arms that stipulated interchangeable parts in the contract. Originally, 20,000 of these pistols were ordered on contract with Simeon North, but the contract was revised to .54 caliber resulting in the Model 1816 because these .69 caliber pistols were seen as having excessive recoil. Of the 1,626 completed, only 626 were delivered to the Army. The Army version is the same as the Navy other than they lacked belt hooks. The pistol is sightless and has "P/US" marked on the upper left of the barrel at the breech and "HHP" on the upper right, a circled script "LS" (Luther Sage) inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat, "S.NORTH/U[eagle and shield motif]S/MIDLn CON." marked at the center of the lock and "I5" assembly mark on various screws and components. Iron furniture and a hickory ramrod with tapered front tip and slotted iron rear tip. Provenance: The Cranford Dalby Collection

Very good plus, with untouched gray and brown patina, a few patches of minor pitting, scattered small dings on the barrel, and mostly defined markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also very good with numerous scattered dents and scratches, a crack below the lock with an old attempted glue repair visible, defined edges and cartouche. Mechanically excellent.