This is an original Model 1811 Army Contract flintlock 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 has a pin-fastened, smooth-bore, .69 caliber barrel and iron back strap. The lock plate has beveled edges and is fitted with a reinforced, convex, hammer and detachable brass pan with high fence. The distinctive, umbrella-shaped buttcap, trigger guard, side plate and single ramrod pipe are brass. The hickory ramrod has a threaded and slotted iron tip. The lock plate is marked: "S. NORTH/BERLIN/CON." in three lines behind the hammer and stamped with an eagle over "U. STATES" between the hammer and the frizzen spring. The left side of the barrel is stamped with an indented, oval, "eagle-head/CT' proofmark and "V" inspection mark. The side plate screws, side plate, buttcap screw and lower tang screw are stamped with small "VI" assembly marks. The inside of the lock plate is stamped with an "H". The inside of the lock, flash\ pan, bridle, tumbler, sear and all the interior lock screws are stamped with "II" assembly marks. The same "II" assembly marks are stamped on the frizzen and frizzen spring screws. The trigger plate is stamped "III". There are no inspection marks on the left stock flat. This pistol is believed to have been obtained from the North family.

Very fine overall. The pistol is in the original flintlock configuration and is truly exceptional. The iron barrel and back strap have a handsome brown patina. There is shallow flash pitting surrounding the flash hole but the balance of the barrel and back strap are smooth. The barrel proof and inspection marks are sharp. The lock plate, hammer, frizzen and frizzen spring have a gray-brown patina with minimal flash pitting. The brass pan has a dark, un-touched patina. The beveled edges of the lock plate are sharp and the lock markings are very crisp. The brass buttcap, trigger guard and ramrod pipe have a mellow, un-polished patina. The hickory ramrod is original to the pistol. The walnut stock is in very good condition. The edges of the flats and barrel channel are sharp. There are no cracks and no significant nicks or scratches. Wear is limited to minor handling marks. The stock has not been cleaned or refinished. This is an exceptional, original, example of a rare North Model 1811 Army Contract pistol in the original flintlock configuration.