Only a total of 1,000 Model 1817 pistols are believed to have been manufactured between 1817-1818, essentially to use up parts on hand including leftover components originally meant for 1803 rifles and the abandoned "Model 1807" pistols that were began but never finished around 1807-1808 due to .69 caliber being deemed excessive for pistols. In 1817, the manufacture of these pistols was started under the initiative of Robert E. Lee, then a colonel and the superintendent of the armory. All 1,000 made were never put to use and were still part of the armory inventory in 1850. The lock is the "type I" version with a teat-like projection at the tail, curled frizzen toe, round frizzen spring finial, and gooseneck cock, and is marked with the eagle and shield motif (very faint) over "US" at center, and "SPRING/FIELD/1818" on the tail. Inspection name "S. DALE" stamped on the underside of the lock. The front strap of the barrel band has a brass blade front sight. The breech end of the barrel is marked with "P/eagle head/V" proofs and "1818" date (faint/partial). "EA" marked on the trigger plate. The left stock flat is stamped with two oval inspection cartouches.

Good with scattered moderate to mild pitting overall and general overall wear. Stock is also good as sanded and re-oiled with a few filled in repairs, numerous scattered dings and scratches, a few small chips at the edges, and lightly visible cartouches. Mechanically fine.