MODEL 1799 NORTH & CHENEY FIRST MODEL FLINTLOCK PISTOL.

MODEL 1799 NORTH & CHENEY FIRST MODEL FLINTLOCK PISTOL. SN 354. SN 354. Cal. 73. x 8-1/16″ unmarked rnd bbl numbered on right side of tang “35” (4 not clearly visible) in back of tang marked “IV”. Underneath bbl is “354” and “..” which matches the same “..” on the left side of bbl tang. Brass frame is marked underneath “S. NORTH & E. CHENEY BERLIN”. Serial number “354” marked inside frame. Like the frame, the butt cap is made of brass. “IV” is present on the backstrap, bridle, tumbler, buttcap, trigger guard and main spring. Cherry stock is unmarked. Here is the opportunity to own the Rosetta Stone of United States martial pistols. Simeon North and Elisha Cheney signed a contract with the Government to manufacture 500 pistols on March 8, 1799 and were the first pistols manufactured entirely by a contractor, as all previous procurements were assembled from parts either in storage or made by various people. These new pistols were derived from the French Model 1777 Pistol with several improvements incorporated such as approximately 1/2″ longer bbl and an additional screw securing the frame to the bbl. These first 500 were marked “S.NORTH & E. CHENEY BERLIN” along the brass frame while the second contract were marked “NORTH & CHENEY BERLIN”. With these first 500 pistols delivered by early 1800, a second contract was forthcoming to Simeon North and Elisha Cheney for 1,500 pistols dated February 6, 1800. The final delivery of the 1,500 pistols were delivered by mid-year 1801 and effectively launched Simeon North into his pistol making venture that lasted another 25 years. PROVENANCE: See Auction Catalog of 1984. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Iron bbl and tang are in very good condition with only slight evidence of pitting as bbl appears to have been cleaned at one time with remnants of the “V” (view mark) partially visible and now shows a light color. Area around touch hole has an overall light brown patina. Frizzen fits loosely, may be replaced as it and the cock do not carry assembly numbers, but if replaced it was very well done and matches the correct pattern and color. Brass frame and butt cap are in very good condition with all markings sharp and clear. Has not been cleaned and shows numerous nicks, dings and scratches from normal handling. Cherry stock is correct having no cracks or wood losses. Pistol is original flint. Considering that less than two dozen of these rare and historic martial pistols are known to exist of the 2,000 orig delivered, this gun being a first model (about 6 are known) would make this an important addition to any advanced martial pistol collection. 4-49982 PAS59 (25,000-45,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2579	$40,250.00	MODEL 1799 NORTH & CHENEY FIRST MODEL FLINTLOCK PISTOL. SN 354. SN 354. Cal. 73. x 8-1/16″ unmarked rnd bbl numbered on right side of tang “35” (4 not clearly visible) in back of tang marked “IV”. Underneath bbl is “354” and “..” which matches the same “..” on the left side of bbl tang. Brass frame is marked underneath “S. NORTH & E. CHENEY BERLIN”. Serial number “354” marked inside frame. Like the frame, the butt cap is made of brass. “IV” is present on the backstrap, bridle, tumbler, buttcap, trigger guard and main spring. Cherry stock is unmarked. Here is the opportunity to own the Rosetta Stone of United States martial pistols. Simeon North and Elisha Cheney signed a contract with the Government to manufacture 500 pistols on March 8, 1799 and were the first pistols manufactured entirely by a contractor, as all previous procurements were assembled from parts either in storage or made by various people. These new pistols were derived from the French Model 1777 Pistol with several improvements incorporated such as approximately 1/2″ longer bbl and an additional screw securing the frame to the bbl. These first 500 were marked “S.NORTH & E. CHENEY BERLIN” along the brass frame while the second contract were marked “NORTH & CHENEY BERLIN”. With these first 500 pistols delivered by early 1800, a second contract was forthcoming to Simeon North and Elisha Cheney for 1,500 pistols dated February 6, 1800. The final delivery of the 1,500 pistols were delivered by mid-year 1801 and effectively launched Simeon North into his pistol making venture that lasted another 25 years. PROVENANCE: See Auction Catalog of 1984. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Iron bbl and tang are in very good condition with only slight evidence of pitting as bbl appears to have been cleaned at one time with remnants of the “V” (view mark) partially visible and now shows a light color. Area around touch hole has an overall light brown patina. Frizzen fits loosely, may be replaced as it and the cock do not carry assembly numbers, but if replaced it was very well done and matches the correct pattern and color. Brass frame and butt cap are in very good condition with all markings sharp and clear. Has not been cleaned and shows numerous nicks, dings and scratches from normal handling. Cherry stock is correct having no cracks or wood losses. Pistol is original flint. Considering that less than two dozen of these rare and historic martial pistols are known to exist of the 2,000 orig delivered, this gun being a first model (about 6 are known) would make this an important addition to any advanced martial pistol collection. 4-49982 PAS59 (25,000-45,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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