Military

The Museum's superb military collections document the history of the men and women of the armed forces of the United States. The collections include ordnance, firearms, and swords; uniforms and insignia; national and military flags and banners; and many other objects.

The strength of the collections lies in their enormous depth. Some 3,000 military small arms and 2,400 civilian firearms document the mechanical and technological history of the infantryman's weapons from the beginning of the gunpowder era to the present. Among the 4,000 swords and knives in the collection are many spectacular presentation pieces. The collections also include Civil War era telegraph equipment, home front artifacts from both world wars, early computers such as ENIAC, Whirlwind, and Sage, and materials carried at antiwar demonstrations.

ID Number
AF.5381
catalog number
5381
accession number
13152
Physical Description:This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Light Dragoon Pistol was made by James Hunter’s Rappahannock Forge for the Continental Army. The pistol has brass mountings and a gooseneck hammer.
Description
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Light Dragoon Pistol was made by James Hunter’s Rappahannock Forge for the Continental Army. The pistol has brass mountings and a gooseneck hammer. It has a bulbous hexagonal shaped butt.
The lockplate is stamped “RAPA/FORGE” and is marked “FK K VIII” on the inside. The barrel is stamped “I. HUNTER”. The numerals “VIIII” are stamped on the inside of the brass mountings
History:
Rappahannock Forge is also referred to as the Hunter’s Iron Works. It was built before the American Revolution by James Hunter of Stafford County, along the Rappahannock River in Virginia. The only official record of his communication with the Council of Safety deals with horseman’s swords.
This pistol is very similar to other Rappahannock Forge pistols. It is thought that only the 3rd Regiment marked their pistols because those are the only found with markings. This particular pistol was found in a house in Brookline, Ma in 1967. It was purchased by Arnold Mills then sold to the Bitter Collection.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 157.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 58.
Location
Currently on loan
date made
ca 1780
maker
Hunter, James
ID Number
1989.0149.02
accession number
1989.0149
catalog number
1989.0149.02
Currently on loan
Location
Currently on loan
associated person
Lee, Charles
Associated Name
Morris, Jacob
ID Number
AF.34368A
catalog number
34368A
accession number
71476
Currently on loan
Location
Currently on loan
Associated Name
Morris, Jacob
ID Number
AF.34368B
catalog number
34368B
accession number
71476
Physical Description:This .50 caliber smoothbore single shot rimfire pistol was made by Remington Arms Company. It has a rolling block breech, a spur type trigger, and walnut grips and forend.There is an anchor stamp on the barrel. On the side is “P./F.C.W”.
Description
Physical Description:
This .50 caliber smoothbore single shot rimfire pistol was made by Remington Arms Company. It has a rolling block breech, a spur type trigger, and walnut grips and forend.
There is an anchor stamp on the barrel. On the side is “P./F.C.W”. The side plate is stamped “REMINGTONS ILION N.Y. U.S.A/PAT MAY 39 NOV 15TH 1864 April 17TH 1866”.
History:
The Remington Arms Company was established by Eliphalet Remington in 1816 when he purchased land at Steele’s Creek in New York. That same year, Eliphalet’s son produced the company’s first rifle. The Company stayed at that location until 1831 when it began expanding its business.
Many different pistols and rifles made Remington famous. The rolling block pistol was one of them. It was developed from the split breech carbine invented by Leonard Geiger. Remington Chief Designer Joseph Rider modified Geiger’s model to create the Rolling Block in 1866.
The rolling block pistol was easy to use, reliable and accurate. Cock the hammer and slide the breech back for easy cartridge insertion. Then move the block forward. When the trigger is pulled, a projection rolls under the breech.
There were five models made of the rolling block design. This is the first model of Remington Rolling Block pistols.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 159.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
unknown
United States Navy
maker
Remington Arms Company
ID Number
1989.0748.03
catalog number
1989.0748.03
accession number
1989.0748
serial number
3181
collector/donor number
P102
Physical Description:This .36 caliber rifled breech-loading single shot percussion pistol was made by C. Sharps & Co. It has a dropping block lever activated action, and two piece wooden grips. The mountings are iron.Under the hammer is stamped “C.
Description
Physical Description:
This .36 caliber rifled breech-loading single shot percussion pistol was made by C. Sharps & Co. It has a dropping block lever activated action, and two piece wooden grips. The mountings are iron.
Under the hammer is stamped “C. SHARPS & COS/GUN WORLD/PHILA PA”. On the opposite side is the stamp “C. SHARPS/PATENT/1840-1852”.
History:
Christian Sharps created his company in 1858 on the Wire Bridge in Fairmount, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During the Civil War, C. Sharps & Co. produced 80, 512 pistols and rifles for the U.S. Government. The company was changed in 1863 to Sharps & Hankins but remained at the same address and was still listed in the 1875 directory as C. Sharps & Co. This company was made famous for their self priming pistols and rifles.
850 of this type of pistol were created between 1854 and 1857. It is based on the Model 1848 Sharps Pistol. The lever activated action is basically the same as on a carbine or a rifle. Only a limited number were made because there was not a market for this type of pistols when they were manufactured.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 174.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
maker
Sharps, Christian
ID Number
1989.0748.05
catalog number
1989.0748.05
accession number
1989.0748
serial number
681
collector/donor number
P100
Physical Description:This .52 caliber rifled single shot breech loading percussion pistol was made by Perry Alonzo of Newark, New Jersey. It has a steel frame and barrel, trigger guard pivots, a breech block upward for loading and two piece wooden grips.History:Alonzo D.
Description
Physical Description:
This .52 caliber rifled single shot breech loading percussion pistol was made by Perry Alonzo of Newark, New Jersey. It has a steel frame and barrel, trigger guard pivots, a breech block upward for loading and two piece wooden grips.
History:
Alonzo D. Perry formed his gun manufacturing company in Newark, New Jersey. In 1849, he received a patent for a faucet breech gun. In 1850, he needed to make a winged metal cartridge for his guns. In 1854 and 1855, Perry created breech loading firearms.
The U.S. Government purchased 200 of those breech loading guns on April 12, 1855. The most notable gun from that batch of 200 was the Model 1855 Navy. Perry’s breech loaders were so effective, that they were copied by other manufacturing companies. The Perry carbine is probably his best known firearm.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 149-150.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
maker
Perry, Alonzo D.
ID Number
1989.0748.06
catalog number
1989.0748.06
accession number
1989.0748
serial number
4
collector/donor number
P99
Physical Description:This .45 caliber muzzle-loading smoothbore two shot percussion pistol was made by the Union Knife Company of Naugatuck, CT for J. P. Lindsay. Its superposed loads were fired in correct sequence by double hammers.
Description
Physical Description:
This .45 caliber muzzle-loading smoothbore two shot percussion pistol was made by the Union Knife Company of Naugatuck, CT for J. P. Lindsay. Its superposed loads were fired in correct sequence by double hammers. It has a brass frame, a part octagonal/part round barrel, two percussion hammers and two piece walnut grips.
The trigger guard and steel frame are both stamped with the serial number 112. By the two hammers is the stamp “LINDSAY ARMS/YOUNG AMERICAN”.
History:
J.P. Lindsay was a former employee for the Springfield Armory. He began his own business by patenting cartridges and locks. On December 17, 1863, the U.S. Government contracted Lindsay to make 1,000 “Young American” single barreled two shot rifle muskets. It is likely that this pistol of the same type was made around that time.
These two shot percussion pistols were invented by Lindsay but assembled by the Union Knife Company. There were a few variations produced – including the Martial Pistol, the Pocket Pistol, and the Belt Pistol. Around 100 of each type of these pistols were made. Lindsay unsuccessfully tried to get a U.S. Government contract for the Union Knife Company pistols.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 117.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
maker
J. P. Lindsay Mfg. Co.
Union Knife Co.
ID Number
1989.0748.07
catalog number
1989.0748.07
accession number
1989.0748
serial number
112
collector/donor number
P101
Physical Description:This .50 caliber smoothbore flintlock Kentucky style pistol is attributed to John Shuler of Liverpool, Pennsylvania. This pistol has an octagonal barrel with an iron front sight.
Description
Physical Description:
This .50 caliber smoothbore flintlock Kentucky style pistol is attributed to John Shuler of Liverpool, Pennsylvania. This pistol has an octagonal barrel with an iron front sight. It is pin fastened with a curly maple stock and a brass barrel band on the forend. It has brass furniture including a brass lockplate and flash pan. The wooden ramrod has a brass tip. The trigger guard has an arrowhead filial and the silver escutcheon plate is engraved “AST.”
History:
This particular pistol is a mystery. It is attributed to John Shuler of Liverpool, Pennsylvania. While it is similar to Shuler pistols in appearance, there are many differences that set it apart.
First, it differs because it lacks the “SHULER” stamp on the barrel. This pistol also has a brass lockplate which is not common for a Shuler pistol. Finally, the engraving on the silver escutcheon plate is not found on Shuler pistols.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 176.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 236.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800
maker
Shuler, John
ID Number
1986.0024.09
accession number
1986.0024
catalog number
1986.0024.09
collector/donor number
P69L
Physical Description:This .69 caliber smoothbore, flintlock U.S. Model 1817 pistol was made by the Springfield Armory.
Description
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore, flintlock U.S. Model 1817 pistol was made by the Springfield Armory. It has all iron mountings, an integral forged iron flashpan, double barrel bands fastening at the fore stock, a brass blade front sight, an iron backstrap from tang to butt cap and a swelled wooden ramrod with a metal ferrule on the opposite end. The stock extends further than the band.
The lockplate is stamped “US” under an eagle by the flash pan. It is stamped “SPRING/FIELD/1818” at the rear of the lock plate. The top of the barrel is stamped “1818” with a raised “P” and eagle head and a “V”. There is a “CC” stamped upside on the inside of the lockplate.
History:
In 1814, the Springfield Armory began production on the Model 1803 Half Stock Rifles that were being produced at Harpers Ferry. By 1816, due to problems with machinery, the production was aborted.
Colonel Robert Lee, Superintendent of the Springfield Armory and Colonel Decius Wadsworth, of the Ordnance Office, began an initiative in 1817 to use the Model 1803 parts that had not been used for the Model 1817 Pistol. The only reason these pistols were manufactured was to rid the Armory of spare parts.
The only difference between the Model 1807 and Model 1817 Springfield pistols is a reinforced hammer. This hammer is held into place with a spring and screw visible from the outside of the lockplate. It also has a smooth point at the rear.
Two pistols of this type have holes in its backstraps that could potentially have been used for an extended shoulder stock although none have ever been found.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 185.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 281.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1818
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
1987.0014.16
accession number
1987.0014
catalog number
1987.0014.16
collector/donor number
P118L
Physical Description:This .67 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1799 McCormick-type Ship’s pistol has an unknown maker. The lock was made in Great Britain.
Description
Physical Description:
This .67 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1799 McCormick-type Ship’s pistol has an unknown maker. The lock was made in Great Britain. It has a pin fastened stock, a gooseneck hammer, a holster pistol type side plate and belt hook.
This pistol has “KETLAND” in script under the flash pan and “UNITED/STATES” stamped at the rear of the lockplate. It also has a raised “P” and “WNY” stamps. On the top of the barrel “US” and “MARSH” are stamped. On the left of the stock are the stamps “M.A.” and “V”.
History:
This pistol is a McCormick type. Robert McCormick was an Irishman who came to America and leased the Globe Mills in 1798 to produce firearms. He was contracted by the U.S. government for Muskets that same year. In 1799, he had another contract, but did not finish it because he was thrown in debtor’s prison in 1801. That contract was finished by an employee named James Haslett – who would move on to run the Virginia Manufactory. It is possible this particular pistol was made by McCormick because it is the same type that McCormick was producing.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 122.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 100.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800
maker
Ketland & Co.
ID Number
1987.0014.07
catalog number
1987.0014.07
accession number
1987.0014
collector/donor number
P104L
Physical Description:The maker of this .68 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1797 Navy pistol is unknown but it is similar pistols made by Robert McCormick. It has a civilian patterned lockplate yet is a military contract pistol.
Description
Physical Description:
The maker of this .68 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1797 Navy pistol is unknown but it is similar pistols made by Robert McCormick. It has a civilian patterned lockplate yet is a military contract pistol. It is brass mounted with brass reinforcing bands on the fore stock. It is pin fastened, has a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip, and a gooseneck hammer.
The lockplate is stamped “KETLAND & CO” and the barrel has a faint “US” stamp near the tang.
History:
The maker of this pistol is unknown. It is a McCormick type pistol. Robert McCormick was an Irishman who came to America and leased the Globe Mills in 1798 to produce firearms. McCormick did create a 1797 Navy Pistol with a Ketland and Co. lockplate.
This particular pistol is odd because of the lock. It is a civilian pattern lock but the pistol has a military stamp. There are a few explanations for why a civilian lock is found on a military pistol. The lock may have accidentally been placed in a parts bin. It may have been substituted for a broken lock or maybe the contractor was short a lock and needed this one to complete the contract. Whatever the reason, the appearance of a civilian lock on a military arm is unusual.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 122.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 98.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1797
pistol maker
unknown
lock maker
Ketland & Co.
ID Number
1987.0014.25
accession number
1987.0014
catalog number
1987.0014.25
collector/donor number
P123L
Physical Description:This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1813 pistol was made by Simeon North under Army contract. It has an inclined brass flashpan with no fence. The larger sized hammer denotes that this pistol was made in Middletown.
Description
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1813 pistol was made by Simeon North under Army contract. It has an inclined brass flashpan with no fence. The larger sized hammer denotes that this pistol was made in Middletown. The barrel is nine inches long with an octagonal breech and no sight.
The lockplate is stamped “S. NORTH/MIDLN/CON.” in two semi circles around the “U.S.” and eagle stamp. The barrel is stamped “P./US” on the left side of the breech. The right side of the breech is stamped “H.H.P” for ordnance inspector Henry H. Perkins. The left side of the stock is stamped “LS” in script for ordnance inspector Luther Sage.
History:
Simeon North was the first to produce mass orders of pistols for the U.S. government. His factory in Berlin, Connecticut grew so large that in 1813, he opened a larger factory in Middletown, Connecticut. This factory employed 50-70 people, had nine water wheels, three trip hammers, two lathes and boring, drilling, polishing, turning, and milling machines.
The U.S. Model 1813 Pistol was made at the Middletown factory. These new pistols were the first firearms produced under a government contract that required standardization and interchangeability of parts. The Model 1813 is somewhat rare because production ceased in January 1816. Lieutenant Colonel Bomford from the Ordnance Office in Washington sent a list of alterations of this pistol to North. The caliber would be reduced to .54 because the recoil was too strong, the barrel, tang, and mountings were to be browned, and a sight would be added.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, 142.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 150
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1815
maker
North, Simeon
ID Number
1983.0777.01
accession number
1983.0777
catalog number
1983.0777.01
collector/donor number
P30L
Physical Description:This .52 caliber smoothbore flintlock dueling pistol was made by Simeon North. It has a browned octagonal barrel with blued breech inlaid, gold bands and a cartouche. It has a silver and blued mounted, half-cock safety behind the hammer.
Description
Physical Description:
This .52 caliber smoothbore flintlock dueling pistol was made by Simeon North. It has a browned octagonal barrel with blued breech inlaid, gold bands and a cartouche. It has a silver and blued mounted, half-cock safety behind the hammer. This pistol also has an iron front sight and open back sight. It has a finely engraved trigger guard and barrel tang but the silver oval escutcheon behind the tang is not engraved. There are finely checkered grips and horn tipped stocks with a wooden ramrod and horn tip.
The only stamped engraving on the gun is on the lockplate. Under the flashpan is the stamp “S. North”.
History:
In 1804, duels were common practice in America. It was a way for men from all walks of life to defend their honor. The process begins when one man offends another. He then has an intermediary called a Second challenge the offender to a duel. If he accepts, the offender then chooses the weapon.
Because of the Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Duel, the popular weapon of choice was a large caliber smoothbore pistol like Simeon North’s Model 1817. This gun was chosen for many reasons. Between the years 1750-1850, it was common for a man in America to own a pair of pistols similar to this type. Also the smoothbore makes the gun relatively inaccurate -- duels did not always result with a death.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, 142.
Pbs.org. “History of Dueling in American,” The American Experience. .
Hussey, Jeannette. The Code Duello. National Portrait Gallery: Washington: 1980
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1817
maker
North, Simeon
ID Number
1983.0777.11
accession number
1983.0777
catalog number
1983.0777.11
collector/donor number
P138L
Physical Description:This .64 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. reconverted boarding pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts under Massachusetts state contract. It has a full walnut stock and a wooden ramrod with a flared brass tip.
Description
Physical Description:
This .64 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. reconverted boarding pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts under Massachusetts state contract. It has a full walnut stock and a wooden ramrod with a flared brass tip. It is pin mounted with gooseneck hammer, brass mountings, iron flash pan, and an iron belt hook. It also has a distinct teat at rear of lockplate.
It is stamped “T. FRENCH” under an eagle over “US” on the lockplate. The barrel is stamped “WNY” and the stock is stamped “MARSH/MA/V.”
History:
In 1808, Thomas French and two other men received a contract to produce 4,000 Model 1808 muskets. It is likely this pistol was most likely made for use during the War of 1812 during the fulfillment of this contract. Because of an inspector in Boston, French’s guns had to be “superior weapons” no matter the cost. The Committee of Claims ultimately issued a voucher to French for the additional cost in the production of these firearms.
This particular pistol however is unique because of the “WNY” stamp. It stands for the Washington Navy Yard. The stamp “MARSH” is thought to be an abbreviation of an inspector’s name. This same stamp appears on many Washington Navy Yard pistols made during this time period.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, 69.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 260.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1814
maker
French, Thomas
ID Number
1986.0024.21
accession number
1986.0024
catalog number
1986.0024.21
collector/donor number
P121L
Physical Description:This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock Navy Pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts between 1812 and 1814. The pistol is pin fastened with a walnut stock and has a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip.
Description
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock Navy Pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts between 1812 and 1814. The pistol is pin fastened with a walnut stock and has a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip. Its brass mountings include a brass butt cap. The unmarked barrel and belt hook are iron. The pistol is a bag grip.
“T. FRENCH” is stamped at the rear of the lockplate and an eagle over “US” is stamped under the flash pan. A horizontal “V” is stamped on the left side of the stock to the rear of the brass sideplate.
History:
In 1808, Thomas French and two other men received a contract to produce 4,000 Model 1808 muskets. By March 4, 1818, the Committee of Claims declared the contract had been fulfilled. During this time, French was also manufacturing pistols. Because of an inspector in Boston, French’s arms had to be “superior weapons” no matter the cost. The Committee of Claims ultimately issued a voucher to French for the additional cost in the production of these firearms.
The Model 1814 French Navy Pistol was manufactured for the U.S. Navy and American privateer merchant fleets in Massachusetts. It bares the same marks as the Model 1808 Muskets that were issued by the government, so it is likely they were used by the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812.
References:
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 262.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, 69.
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock Navy Pistol was made by Thomas French of Canton, Massachusetts between 1812 and 1814. The pistol is pin fastened with a walnut stock and has a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip. Its brass mountings include a brass butt cap. The unmarked barrel and belt hook are iron. The pistol is a bag grip.
“T. FRENCH” is stamped at the rear of the lockplate and an eagle over “US” is stamped under the flash pan. A horizontal “V” is stamped on the left side of the stock to the rear of the brass sideplate.
History:
In 1808, Thomas French and two other men received a contract to produce 4,000 Model 1808 muskets. By March 4, 1818, the Committee of Claims declared the contract had been fulfilled. During this time, French was also manufacturing pistols. Because of an inspector in Boston, French’s arms had to be “superior weapons” no matter the cost. The Committee of Claims ultimately issued a voucher to French for the additional cost in the production of these firearms.
The Model 1814 French Navy Pistol was manufactured for the U.S. Navy and American privateer merchant fleets in Massachusetts. It bares the same marks as the Model 1808 Muskets that were issued by the government, so it is likely they were used by the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812.
References:
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 262.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, 69.
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1814
maker
French, Thomas
ID Number
1982.0785.13
accession number
1982.0785
catalog number
1982.0785.13
collector/donor number
P44D
Physical Description:This .66 caliber smoothbore flintlock pistol was made by William Whetcroft of Annapolis Maryland around 1776. It has a pin fastened walnut stock.
Description
Physical Description:
This .66 caliber smoothbore flintlock pistol was made by William Whetcroft of Annapolis Maryland around 1776. It has a pin fastened walnut stock. This pistol has an S-shaped brass side plate, a brass thimble and trigger guard and no butt cap.
It is stamped “WW” in a sunken rectangle on the barrel and lockplate. The barrel is also stamped “MARYLAND.”
History:
On October 21, 1775, the Maryland Council of Safety contracted William Whetcroft to make 50 muskets per week for the Council. There are no records of a pistol being produced for the Council of Safety, but that does not mean he did not manufacture them for the Council.
This pistol may be the only known pistol made for the Council of Safety. It is difficult to guarantee though. The “WW” stamp is an identifier for Whetcroft. Also the brass mounted lock, and American wood stock are other factors leading the authors of Historic Pistols to believe this pistol is in fact a Maryland Council of Safety contract.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 208.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 18.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1776
maker
Whetcroft, William
ID Number
1987.0014.32
catalog number
1987.0014.32
accession number
1987.0014
collector/donor number
P184L
Physical Description:This .72 caliber smoothbore, flintlock U.S. First Mode l 1799 pistol was made by North and Cheney.
Description
Physical Description:
This .72 caliber smoothbore, flintlock U.S. First Mode l 1799 pistol was made by North and Cheney. It has a brass frame trigger guard and buttcap, an iron backstrap, no forestock, a one piece walnut handle, and a steel ramrod with button head.
Under the brass frame, “S. NORTH & E. CHENEY BERLIN” is stamped. The barrel has a “P” on the left side and a “V” on the screw heads. Its serial number is “138”.
History:
Simeon North and his brother-in-law Elisha Cheney went into business for a short period of time. They produced around 2,000 Model 1799 Contract Pistols in two contracts – the first, delivering 500 and the second, 1500. It was the first official model adopted by the U.S. government.
This first contract pistol was modeled after the Model 1777 French pistol. There are correspondence between North and the War department in 1801 and 1802 that verify shipments of these North and Cheney pistols.
This pistol has the serial number 138. It was sold to Summer Healey’s gun store in New York City in 1933. Joe Kindig, Jr. purchased it from the store. It was then purchased by Edwin Bitter. Bitter loaned this pistol to the White House and it hung in President Kennedy’s Oval Office.
Reference:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 142.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 126.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1799
maker
North, Simeon
Cheney, Elisha
ID Number
1988.0518.03
accession number
1988.0518
catalog number
1988.0518.03
collector/donor number
P80L
Physical Description:This .64 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1797 Pistol was made by Robert McCormick. The lock was made by Ketland and Co. in Great Britain.
Description
Physical Description:
This .64 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1797 Pistol was made by Robert McCormick. The lock was made by Ketland and Co. in Great Britain. It has a pin fastened walnut stock, brass furniture, and a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip.
The lockplate is stamped “KETLAND & CO” is script and “UNITED/STATES”. It is also stamped “McCORMICK” on the stock.
History:
Because of the stamp on the barrel, this pistol is one of the few to have been made by McCormick himself. Information on these pistols originates from Harry C. Knode who wrote about Ship and Horseman pistols between 1797 and 1799.
Robert McCormick was an Irishman who came to America and leased the Globe Mills in 1798 to produce firearms. He was contracted by the U.S. government for Muskets that same year. In 1799, he had another contract, but did not finish it because he was thrown in debtor’s prison in 1801. That contract was finished by an employee named James Haslett – who would move on to run the Virginia Manufactory.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 122.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 88
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1799
maker
McCormick, Robert
ID Number
1987.0014.13
accession number
1987.0014
catalog number
1987.0014.13
collector/donor number
P103L
Physical Description:This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1807 pistol was made by the Springfield Armory.
Description
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1807 pistol was made by the Springfield Armory. It is iron mounted with double barrel bands, a stock that extends past the band, a brass blade front sight on forward strap, a hickory ramrod with swelled tip and a threaded metal ferrule.
It is stamped “U.S.” under an eagle and “SPRING/FIELD/1818” on the lockplate.
History:
On April 26, 1782 Congress approved the construction of the Springfield Armory as a “good and efficient magazine for the reception of the public ammunition.” It began manufacturing pistols for U.S. government use in 1807.
Production of this pistol was started in 1807 but stopped in 1808 when military pistols were changed to .54 caliber. In 1815, some of these pistols were sent to Harpers Ferry and finished. The rest were not finished in Springfield until 1817 and 1818. They were the first to be made in quantity at the Springfield Armory.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 185.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 280.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1818
associated date
1815
maker
Springfield Armory
ID Number
1987.0014.17
accession number
1987.0014
catalog number
1987.0014.17
collector/donor number
P119L
Physical Description:This .50 caliber breech-loading percussion smoothbore pistol was made by John Hall. It was converted from flintlock to percussion.
Description
Physical Description:
This .50 caliber breech-loading percussion smoothbore pistol was made by John Hall. It was converted from flintlock to percussion. It has a brass barrel and breech, a checkered grip, and a pin fastened full walnut stock.
There are no visible stamps.
History:
John H. Hall shares a joint patent with William Thornton for the breech loading flintlock rifle on May 21, 1811. Because of this patent, this pistol had to have been produced after the invention. Hall was employed by many different armories including Harpers Ferry from 1816 through 1840. There is a possibility that this pistol was made at Harpers Ferry around 1820.
While this particular pistol has a brass barrel, typically Hall barrels are bronze or iron. This type is extremely rare. There are only four known bronze barrels in existence today.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1810
maker
Hall, John H.
ID Number
1987.0014.15
accession number
1987.0014
catalog number
1987.0014.15
collector/donor number
P122L
Physical Description:This .54 caliber rifled flintlock Model 1805/1807 Pistol was made by Harper’s Ferry.
Description
Physical Description:
This .54 caliber rifled flintlock Model 1805/1807 Pistol was made by Harper’s Ferry. It has a round barrel with a supporting iron rib, a wooden ramrod with swelled tip, brass mountings and an iron flashpan.
It is rifled with eight grooves – unlike the Harpers Ferry Model 1803 rifle with seven. The lockplate is stamped “SPRING/FIELD/1807” and “US” under an eagle. The barrel is stamped “1818” and “US”.
History:
Harper’s Ferry was named after Robert Harper – a mill owner – who purchased the land from Lord Fairfax in 1798. This land was personally inspected and chosen by General George Washington as the site for an armory. An Act of Congress on April 2, 1794 established the Harper’s Ferry armory in Virginia. This gun manufactory created many pistols and firearms for government use between 1796 and 1861. On April 18, 1861 however, Lt. Roger Jones – in charge of Harper’s Ferry at the time – burned the armory for fear of it falling into the hands of the Virginia militia.
A .54 caliber smoothbore Harpers Ferry Model 1805 pistol was common. A rifled one is incredibly rare. The only other known rifled Model 1805 pistol is found in the Jefferson County Museum in Charlestown, West Virginia.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 185.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 178.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1808
maker
Harpers Ferry Armory
ID Number
1987.0014.34
accession number
1987.0014
catalog number
1987.0014.34
serial number
1818
Physical Description:This .52 caliber smoothbore flintlock holster pistol has the appearance of a Halbach and Sons officer’s pistol. The barrel is part octagonal and the pistol has all brass mountings including a brass butt cap with an embossed eagle and shield.
Description
Physical Description:
This .52 caliber smoothbore flintlock holster pistol has the appearance of a Halbach and Sons officer’s pistol. The barrel is part octagonal and the pistol has all brass mountings including a brass butt cap with an embossed eagle and shield. It has a full walnut stock and wooden ramrod with a swelled tip. There is an additional sunburst and acorn filial on the trigger guard.
The pistol bears no markings other than “L Paul” stamped into the wooden grips.
History:
This pistol bears a striking resemblance to a Halbach and Son’s Holster Pistol. Halbach and Sons originated in Baltimore, Maryland around 1780. They were famous for producing brass cannon muzzle style barrels and brass mountings. A Halbach and Sons pistol can also be identified by the brass butt cap depicting an American spread eagle surrounded by 13 stars and a raised carving around the tang; the lockplate would be stamped “Halbach & Sons.”
This pistol has many of those traits. It has the identical butt cap, brass barrel and overall appearance as a Halbach and Sons pistol. However the addition design is not near the tang, it is on the trigger guard. This pistol is also not stamped on the lockplate.
The stamp “L. Paul” on the grips most likely signifies the officer who owned the pistol.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1790
associated person
Paul, L
maker
Halbach & Sons
ID Number
1985.0783.12
accession number
1985.0783
catalog number
1985.0783.12
Physical Description:This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock First Model pistol was made by the Virginia Manufactory for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is iron mounted and fastens at the forend with a double strap barrel band. This pistol has a large gooseneck hammer.
Description
Physical Description:
This .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock First Model pistol was made by the Virginia Manufactory for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is iron mounted and fastens at the forend with a double strap barrel band. This pistol has a large gooseneck hammer. It also has a brass blade sight brazed to the lower strap of the barrel band. The ramrod is iron with a bulbous head. It has been reconverted from percussion.
This pistol is stamped “VIRGINIA” under the pan and “MANUFACTORY” is script under Virginia. “RICHMOND/1808” is stamped at rear of lockplate. There is a raised “P” on the pistol.
History:
The Virginia Manufactory is also known as the Richmond Armory and the Virginia State Armory. It was established by the Act of 1797 to manufacture arms for the state militia. It was built along the James River and was initially in production from 1802 through 1820. The man who was in charge of the armory was James Haslett. He was formerly employed by Robert McCormick. He was recommended for the job by Colonel John Shee, a surgeon from Philadelphia who served in the Third Pennsylvania Battalion. He wrote to the Governor of Virginia that they would “be enabled to engage Haslett…for the Richmond Armory.” The Armory reopened in 1860 for production during the Civil War.
This specific type of pistol is the largest American martial handgun ever made. The Virginia Manufactory cut down defective musket barrels from the iron mountings for these pistols. The raised “P” is in the place of typical Virginia regiment mark “4,V,A, REGT.”
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Gardner, Robert E. Col. Small Arms Makers: A Directory of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms, Crown Publishers Inc, New York: 1963, p. 200.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 240.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1808
associated date
1808
maker
Virginia State Armory
ID Number
1986.0024.08
accession number
1986.0024
catalog number
1986.0024.08
collector/donor number
P47L

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