These pistols resemble the Harpers Ferry U.S. Model 1805 flintlock pistol and utilized the swivel mounted ramrod design earlier than any other U.S. martial pistol. An estimated 4,252 were manufactured at the Virginia Manufactory between 1812-1815 with some variations for the Virginia state militia. Many of these pistols would have been rushed into service during the War of 1812 which saw American troops push into Canada, the British burning of Washington, D.C., and famous battles on the Great Lakes and Atlantic. The Virginians, including President Madison, were notably supportive of the U.S. declaration of war against the U.K. unlike the citizens of the Northeast. These pistols were still in service at the outbreak of the Civil War and are known to have been issued to Confederate cavalry units in the opening months of the war. The smoothbore barrel has no sights or visible markings. The lock is marked "VIRGINIA" at center and "RICHMOND/1814" on the tail. The furniture is all plain brass, and the stock is smooth. The bore measures at approximately .64 caliber, enlarged from its original .54 caliber. Includes an extra butt screw. Provenance: The James Wertenberger Collection, The Bob Howard Collection, The Joseph A. Murphy Collection, a Gentleman

Fair with extensive scattered moderate to deep pitting visible on the iron surfaces, genuine period use, and mostly legible lock markings with some fading at the edges. Brass retains an attractive golden aged patina. Wood is good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some scattered light scratches, a crack on the right of the forend and ahead of the lock, a chipped area behind the lock, a crack ahead of the rear lock screw, a chip ahead of the trigger guard finial, and a few minor cracks and re-glued chips around the edges of the pommel. Mechanically fair.