The U.S. Navy contracted for the manufacture of 3000 of these pistols in 1808. Simeon North delivered the entire contract in the next two years. It was his second contract and the first under which the pistols were made to have interchangeable parts. These pistols saw significant use during the War of 1812 as they were the only pistols made for the infant United States Army. Marked with a spread wing eagle over "U. STATES." in front of the hammer and "S. NORTH/BERLIN/CON.." vertically at the tail of the lock plate. The barrel is correctly unmarked. The flash pan, trigger guard, butt cap, ramrod pipe and left side plate are brass, the remaining parts are iron. There is a 5 inch belt hook mounted on the left flat. Mounted with a walnut stock with no visible inspection marks and a replacement hickory ramrod. According to consignor notes this pistol was x-rayed at Peabody Testing Lab in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the barrel showed no signs of welding. Reportedly this pistol was mentioned by number (478 marked internally) in the May 1957 edition of the "Gun Report". Comes with a small wooden plaque with "1808 S. NORTH" marked brass plate.

Very good plus in original flintlock configuration with a smooth silver gray patina on the metal surfaces and an aged patina on the brass components. The belt hook has been repaired many years ago with a visible braised splice. The stock is fine with a small filled in repair on the forend and overall some minor dings, dents and scratches. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.