This pistol is pictured on page 20 of "U.S. Martial Single Shot Pistols" by Hartzler and Whisker where it is listed as a John Joseph Henry (1786-1836) U.S. 1807 Contract pistol. John Joseph Henry (1786-1836), often listed as just Joseph Henry, was contracted to manufacture a total of 750 pairs of pistols in 1807 and 1808. An article in "Gun Report" indicated he delivered 1,468 pistols and purchased 724 of them back. The barrel has a brass blade front sight and is marked an "eagle head/P" proof and "J. HENRY" and "PHILA" on top. The lock has a teat at the tail, an integral 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. Provenance: The J. Eichlin Collection; The Robert A. Sadler Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very good with a mix of gray and brown patina on the block and barrel, buffing lines visible on the latter, softened proof, enlarged vent, aged patina on the brass furniture, and general mild overall wear. The refinished stock is good with repaired cracks, filler around the lock mortise, some small chips at the edges, and general mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.