This unique combination knife/pistol was manufactured by C.B. Allen of Springfield Massachusetts in 1837. The pistol is fitted with a massive, 11 1/2-inch, Bowie-type blade made by N.P. Ames. The Elgin Cutlass Pistol has the duel distinction of being the only combination gun ever issued by the U.S. armed forces and the first percussion handgun issued by the U.S. military. The U.S. Navy purchased 150 Elgin Cutlass Pistols to arm the Wilkes South Seas Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842. The six vessels of the Wilkes Expedition explored and charted previously unknown islands in the South Pacific Ocean. The Elgin Cutlass Pistols were used in combat on July 24, 1840 when Midshipman the leader's nephew Wilkes Henry was killed while covering the retreat of a landing party attacked by hostile natives. An account of the engagement describes the Midshipman using "his Bowie Knife Pistol" to disable at least two of the attackers. The box-lock pistol has a five-inch, smoothbore, octagon barrel. The Bowie-type blade has an integral, forged, trigger guard and knuckle bow. The blade is attached to a lug on the underside of the barrel using a tongue and groove method and secured by two screws. The pistol has a one-piece walnut grip. The top barrel flat is stamped: "ELGINs/PATENT" is two lines parallel to the bore. The patent marking is followed by the U.S. Navy inspection marks and date: "CBA/PM/1837" in three lines stamped perpendicular to the axis of the bore. "C.B. ALLEN/SPRINGFIELD/ MASS." is stamped on the left side of the frame in three lines. The serial number "10" is stamped on the left side of the barrel, the adjacent section of the frame and on the left side of the Bowie blade. The U.S. Navy inspection marks and serial numbers identify this pistol as one of the weapons carried by the Wilkes Expedition.

Fine. The pistol is completely original and has the appearance of being fresh out of an attic!. The massive, Bowie blade, forged trigger guard and knuckle bow, octagon barrel and box lock action have a very attractive, even, dark brown, age patina. The pistol does not appear to have ever been cleaned. The surfaces of the blade, barrel and action are generally smooth with some scattered light pitting. There are several minor period dents in the edges of the top barrel flat. The other edges are sharp. The grip is also in fine condition. The walnut has the same patina as the rest of the pistol and the grip shows only minor handling wear. The barrel markings are intact and legible. The frame markings and serial numbers are sharp. The hammer will cock but not fire when the trigger is pulled. This is a fine looking and completely original example of a unique and extremely historic U.S. Navy Elgin Cutlass Pistol. The unique design, low production and documented association with the famous Wilkes South Seas Exploring Expedition make the rare and historic Elgin Cutlass Pistol a key piece in the most advanced collection of U.S. martial arms.