A rare example of a classic percussion dueling pistol manufactured by Simeon North of Middletown, Connecticut, during the late 1830s-mid 1840s. The pistol has a smoothbore, full-octagon barrel with iron under-rib and a single ram-rod pipe. The barrel has a dove-tailed, iron blade front sight and a fixed rear sight on the tang. The pistol has a flat lock-plate with fenced iron bolster, single set-trigger with iron trigger guard with pronounced finger spur. The wedge-fastened, walnut, stock has a finely checkered grip an horn forend tip. The wooden ramrod has a flared, horn tip. The top of the barrel flat is engraved "CONNECTICUT" in Old English letters. The top of the chamber is deeply stamped with an oval "S.NORTH/MIDDLETOWN" proofmark. The lock-plate is engraved: "S.NORTH./Middletown, Con., below the hammer. The barrel has a Damascus finish and is inlaid with two gold bands near the tang. The barrel tang has deeply cut floral engraving. The hammer is engraved with a border and simple but well-executed flourishes. The edges of the lock plate are are engraved with oak leaves within a double-line border. A simple game scene is engraved at the rear of the lock. The iron trigger guard finial is engraved with an acorn motif. The bottom of the trigger guard has the same double line/acorn border as the lock plate and the center of the trigger guard is engraved with a union Jack/shield surrounded by foliate engraving.

Very good. The pistol barrel lock and iron furniture has an even, steel gray, patina. The Damascus finish on the barrel is pronounced. The barrel and lock markings are sharp. The well-executed engraving is crisp. The stock is also in very good condition. The checkering on the grip is sharp. Wear is limited some very minor handling marks. This is a very good example of a classic, high grade, percussion dueling pistol manufactured by one of the finest pre-Civil War New England gun makers.