This is an example of a Model 1811 Army Contract Pistol from the lot of 606 pistols with early pin-fastened barrels manufactured by Simeon North in Berlin, Connecticut between 1811 and 1812. The pistol was later converted to percussion using the drum style bolster. The lock-plate has beveled edges and the mountings are brass. The lock is marked: "S. NORTH / BERLIN / CON." vertically behind the hammer and marked with an eagle over "U.STATES" ahead of the hammer. The top of the barrel at the breech is marked "P / US" and the tang is marked "P" just ahead of the upper screw. An "I" assembly marking is visible on the forward left side plate screw head and the left stock flat is stamped with a "V". The pistol was made without sights and is complete with a hickory ramrod with swelled end.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth untouched dark silver gray patina with some moderate flash pitting at the breech end of the barrel. The brass has a dark natural aged patina. The stock is also very good with a minor crack in the left side of the forearm, a number of small dents on the left flat and overall some minor dings and dents. The markings are clear. The action is fine. One does not find these U.S. North Model 1811's in any condition. Writer believes that a percussion conversion is a better example to have than a reconverted flintlock.