Only a total of 1,000 Model 1817 pistols are believed to have been manufactured essentially to use up parts on hand including locks originally meant for pistols begun but not finished around 1807-1808 and Model 1803 rifles. 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 is one of 400 estimated to have been built with one of the 1807 and 1808 locks with the noticeable "teat" at the tail following "SPRING/FIELD/1818," a goose-neck cock, curled toe frizzen, and spear point frizzen spring finial. The lock is also marked with the "eagle & shield/US" at center and "B" on the inside. The barrel is also dated "1818" and has "P/eagle head/V" on the left at the breech. A brass blade front sight is on the front of the barrel band. "EA" is stamped on the trigger plate, and "JC" is inside the trigger guard bow. The left stock flat has two cartouches (one "EJ"), and "RC" is stamped on the right near the toe.

Very good as reconverted to flintlock configuration with gray and brown patina, minor oxidation and pitting, and general minor scratches and dings. The stock is very good and has smooth oiled finish, minor scratches and dings, and some minor slivers absent along the edges of the back strap. Mechanically fine. Overall, this is a solid representative example of the Springfield Armory's first pistols.