This pistol is featured and discussed on pages 12-13 of "Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock, 1760-1845" by Smith and Bitter where it is noted as "an early Revolutionary war period Kentucky pistol, its workmanship superior to most pistols of that era. It was probably produced in eastern Pennsylvania, and its original owner was probably an officer who had purchased a matched pair as his personal holster pistols." The authors note that only around one Kentucky pistol exists for around every 250 Kentucky rifles and indicate they believe the pistol may have been built by Andrew Verner of Bucks County, P.A. The silver wrist escutcheon is inscribed "AJ" or "AS" (the authors have "AV" listed). These would likely be the initials of the original owner. Little is known about him, but Verner is believed to have been active c. 1780-1790s (so not actually early in the American Revolution). There area aspects on this pistol similar to an example signed by him and others attributed to him. There are also some similarities with the John Shuler attributed pistol in the Smithsonian. Shuler was active in Bucks County in the early 1800s. The smoothbore barrel has a brass blade front sight, banded transition, a somewhat unclear "S" stamp on the upper left, and short tang. The lock is unmarked. Aside from the noted silver escutcheon, the furniture is brass and features some light border, scroll, and floral engraving. The maple stock has the noted incised floral carving around the barrel tang and a bird's head grip profile. Provenance: The E.W. Bitter Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very good with silver-gray patina on most of the barrel, darker patina on the breech end, dark brown patina on the lock, mild oxidation and pitting, dark aged patina on the silver, nice aged patina on the brass furniture, and generally mild overall wear. The stock is also very good with a long crack along the right side of the forend, smaller cracks at the forend tip, distinct carving, nice figure, and smooth finish. Mechanically fine.