Originally manufactured as a flintlock pistol and later converted to drum type percussion, the Model 1805 was manufactured circa 1806 to 1808 with a total production of about 4,096 pistols and was the first military handgun manufactured by a national armory. The pistol has a 10 inch 54 caliber smooth bore barrel made without sights and an iron bottom rib. The mountings are brass and it has a wooden ram rod with a swollen brass tip. The iron parts were finished bright. The lock plate is marked "HARPERS / FERRY / 1807" vertically behind the hammer with the spread winged eagle over "US" in front of the hammer. The left rear of the barrel is marked with a recessed "US", eagle head and "729".

About good. The metal surfaces have a mottled gray patina with several minor dings on the barrel and minor pitting on the hammer and lock plate. The stock has been varnished and remains very good with a few minor dents, chips and dings and sharp edges on the flats. The brass has an aged patina with signs of some light cleaning. The markings are clear. The action is good. From the Will Hoffeld collection, purchased from Richard Macomber August 30, 1994.