This is one of only approximately 550 transitional Model 1811 pistols manufactured circa 1812-1813 using the double strap barrel band designed by U.S. arms inspector M. T. Wickham. The double strap barrel band was also used on the Model 1813, Model 1816, and Model 1817 pistols manufactured by North, and all subsequent primary single shot muzzle loading martial pistols utilized a barrel band rather than the pin fastened barrels used on the standard Model 1811 pistols. The lock shows the eagle motif over "U.STATES" in front of the cock and "S.NORTH/BERLIN/CON" behind it. Various parts have small assembly markings (mostly "o"). The barrel has "P/US" at the breech, and a "P" is on the extended barrel tang. The stock has the "V/HHP" cartouche of inspector Henry H. Perkins. This pistol might be the pistol in the center right of "The Simeon North Collection of Guns" donated by Simeon North's great-grandson Ralph H. North to The Franklin Institute and shown in the 1944 article "The Origin of Interchangeable Parts" by Thomas Coulson, Director of Museum Research at The Franklin Institute. North was co-author of "Simeon North: First Official Pistol Maker of the United States," and it may be the pistol listed as a "Model 1810" preceding page 75.

Very good with light gray patina and spots of minor pitting on the iron, aged patina on the brass furniture, some minor fading of the edges of the lock markings, and minor overall wear. The revarnished stock is good and has some scratches and dings, a thin tension crack at the rear lock screw on the left flat, cracking in the right side at the tail of the lock and wrist, and a faded but legible cartouche. Mechanically fine. Provenance: Ralph H. North, great-grandson of Simeon North, and The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.