This example of a Model 1811 flintlock pistol was manufactured by Simeon North of Berlin, Connecticut from 1811-1813. This transition pistol has the desirable double strap, iron, ''Wickham Improvement'' barrel band that was added to the final 550 Model 1811 pistols manufactured after 1812. The pistol has a round, smoothbore, barrel and full length iron tang. The iron ''Wickham'' barrel band is secured by a spring fastened lug between the double straps. The lock plate is flat with a beveled edge and has a detachable brass flash pan with high fence. The reinforced hammer is convex and the frizzen has a square toe. The side plate, trigger guard and umbrella-shaped buttcap are brass. The full length walnut stock has a flared butt. The iron components are bright and the stock has an oil finish. The lock plate is stamped "S. NORTH/BERLIN./CON" in three lines behind the hammer and is stamped with an "Eagle and Shield" motif over "U. STATES." between the hammer and the pan. The barrel breech is marked with "P/US" proofmarks. A "P" is stamped on the tang. The hammer, frizzen, and frizzen spring screws have matching "0" assembly marks. The inspection mark "HHP" is stamped on the left stock flat. The iron, button head, ramrod is a replacement. Surviving examples of Model 1811 flintlock pistols are extremely rare.

Very good. The pistol appears to be in the original flintlock configuration. The barrel, lock and iron furniture have a dark, silver-gray patina. The barrel has moderate to heavy flash pitting along the top and right side. There is light flash pitting on the hammer and bolster. The brass furniture has a mellow aged patina. The stock is also in very good overall condition with scattered, minor, handling marks. There is a hairline crack between the barrel channel and the upper side plate screw. This is a fine original example of a rare North Model 1811 transition flintlock pistol. One will look a long time just to see one of these, let alone own one to own!