The pistol appears to be the one shown in the middle right of the picture of "The Simeon North Collection of Guns" that was donated by 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." Only approximately 1,626 of these pistols were manufactured c. 1813-1815 before the military decided .69 caliber loads produced excessive recoil, and they are significant as the first martial arms contracted to have interchangeable parts, a industrial innovation North was crucial in developing. The center of the lock has "S. NORTH" in a downward arch over "U [eagle] S" and then faded "MIDLN CON" markings in an upward arch. The barrel has "P/US" on the left at the breech. The furniture is all iron.

Very good with mostly gray patina, Some areas of brown mainly along the back strap, some generally light pitting, partially faded markings, and mild overall wear. The refinished stock is good and has mild scratches and dings, cracking in the lower part of the wrist, and some fill ahead of the trigger guard. Mechanically fine. Provenance: Ralph H. North, great-grandson of Simeon North, and The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.