Only a total of 1,000 Model 1817 pistols are believed to have been manufactured essentially to use up parts on hand including components originally meant for 1803 rifles and the abandoned "Model 1807" pistols begun but not finished around 1807-1808 due to .69 caliber being deemed excessive for pistols. They were built under Robert E. Lee, then a colonel and the superintendent of the armory. Interestingly, all 1,000 were never put to use and were still part of the armory inventory in 1850. This pistol was built with one of the on-hand "1815" dated locks and has a slightly longer than standard barrel. Variations in barrel length on these pistols are known. The lock is the "type II" version with a rounded tail, round frizzen spring finial, and reinforced double neck cock and is marked with the eagle and shield motif over "US" at center, "SPRING/FIELD/1815" on the tail, "JD" inside by the pan, script "M" on the inside of the plate, and "7" on the various components. The front of the barrel band has a brass blade front sight. The barrel has "P/eagle head/V/x" and "1818" at the breech. "EA" is marked on the trigger plate, and "AR" is inside the trigger guard bow. The stock has two oval cartouches and a "B" stamp on the left near the toe.

Very good with silver-gray patina, mild pitting, generally distinct markings, and mild overall wear. The stock has some repaired hairline cracks visible in front of the lock plate and a filled portion below, traces of the cartouches, distinct "B" stamp, and minor surface wear. Mechanically fine.