This is an example of a Second Model Flintlock horseman's pistol that was manufactured by the Virginia Manufactory in Richmond, Virginia in 1815. The pistol closely resembles the Harpers Ferry U.S. Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol. The Virginia Manufactory produced an estimated 2,044 Second Model Flintlock Pistols between 1812 and 1815. An estimated 366 pistols were manufactured in 1815 and had distinctive lock markings and are considered to be rare. The pistol has a bright finished barrel, lock and ramrod with brass trigger guard, buttcap, side plate, ramrod tail pipe and barrel band. The wedge fastened stock is oil finished black walnut. The round smoothbore barrel does not have front or rear sights and has a prominent under-rib with attached swivel and button head ramrod. The lock plate is flat with beveled edges, a prominent tip, and integral fenced flash pan. The reinforced hammer has a flat face and a notched hammer spur. The frizzen has a curved toe. The lock plate is stamped with the date "1815" in a vertical line behind the hammer and "RICHMOND" in an upward curve below the pan. These markings are found only on the 366 Second Model Virginia Manufactory pistols manufactured in 1815. The brass buttcap has the distinctive spurs on the sides and the trigger guard has a pointed front finial. The letter "V" is stamped three times on the inside of the trigger guard. The Second Model Virginia Manufactory pistols remained in state service until the Civil War with some examples issued to cavalry regiments at the start of the war. The pistol is considered to be a secondary Confederate handgun.