Joseph Henry of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, manufactured a limited number of flintlock military pistols under government contracts from 1807 and 1808. Henry was contracted to manufacture a total of 650 pairs in that period; however, the total number of pistols actually completed is not known, and many government contractors failed to complete their orders. A "Gun Report" article indicated he delivered 1,468 pistols and purchased 724 of them back. The barrel has a brass blade front sight and is marked with "J. HENRY PHILA," an unclear marking that appears to be "SB," and an "eagle head/P" proof. The lock has a pronounced teat at the tail, a rounded flash pan with high fence, and reinforced ring-neck hammer and is marked "US" at the center and "J. HENRY/PHILA" at the tail. The side plate and pommel cap have "M" stamps, and the stock has an "M" or "W" at the tail of the left flat.

Good as reconverted to flintlock configuration with applied dark brown patina and mild oxidation and pitting on the lock and barrel, artificially aged patina on the replacement brass sideplate, and professionally restored/lengthened stock with faint hairline cracks visible at the forend spliced juncture and minor edge flakes. Mechanically fine.