This is one of 1,626 Model 1813 pistols manufacutred by Simeon North in Middletown, Connecticut, from 1813-1815. The Army received 626 pistols which did not have the belt hooks like this example. The contract for the Model 1813 flintlock pistols was the first in which the gunmaker agreed to provide weapons with interchangeable parts. The pistol has a smoothbore barrel with octagonal breech, double strap and "Wickham Improvement" barrel band. The initials of inspector Henry H. Perkin (HHP) are stamped on the right breech flat above the flash hole. The left breech flat is stamped with a "P/US" proofmark. The lock plate is marked "S. NORTH" in a downward curve over an Eagle motif flanked by "U" and "S" with "MIDLN. CON" stamped in an upward curve below the eagle. The lock has a beveled front and rounded rear with reinforced hammer, detachable brass flash pan with no fence and frizzen with flat toe and bulbous tip. Iron side plate, trigger guard, back strap and buttcap with black walnut stock and hickory ramrod featuring a swelled tip with slotted and threaded iron ferrule. An Ordnance inspection mark of a "V" above the script letters "LS" with an oval border is stamped on the left stock flat.

Very good. The pistol barrel has a mottled silver gray patina on the barrel and barrel band. The lock, side plate, trigger guard, back strap and buttcap have a brown patina. The barrel band, side plate, trigger guard, back strap and buttcap have moderate pitting. The barrel has been lightly cleaned and has scattered spots of age discoloration with light to moderate pitting. The lock has a smooth dark patina. The left barrel flat and lock markings are light but legible. The markings on the right side of the barrel are sharp. The stock is fine with minor pressure marks and dings. The inspection marks on the left stock flat are clear. This is a solid example of a rare and historic U.S. primary martial pistol produced in limited numbers during the War of 1812.