This is a solid representative example of the historic U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1805 flintlock pistol. The Model 1805 was the first martial pistol manufactured by a U.S. armory and only the second official U.S. martial pistol model. Only a total of around 4,096 were manufactured c. 1806-1808. With its half-stock, under barrel rib, and brass furniture, including the band on the forend, it has a very distinctive appearance and a lot of similarities with the rare Model 1803 rifles also manufactured at Harpers Ferry. This pistol is one of an estimated 1,208 1808 dated pistols manufactured and has a well worn smoothbore barrel with "eagle head/P" (faint remnants), "US," and "1802" marked on the upper left at the breech, spread wing eagle over "US" at the center of the lock, "HARPERS/FERRY/1808" on the tail of the lock and inspection initials "WV" marked on the inside of the lock. Assembly number "XXVII" marked underneath the barrel, underneath the sideplate and on the lock mainspring. Script "JS" initials of Ordnance inspector James Stubblefield stamped in the left stock flat ahead of carved initials "W+A". Hickory ramrod with swelled brass tip. Appears to be in it's original flintlock configuration.

Good with a mix of scattered brown and gray patina, moderate flash pitting, mostly clear barrel markings and crisp lock markings. Brass displays bright as lightly cleaned. Stock is very good as sanded and refinished with some re-glued/repaired sections around the lock and left flat, a crack on the left running through the rear lock screw, some light scratches and carving as mentioned above. Mechanically fine. An attractive solid representative example of one of the most desirable U.S. martial pistol models!