RevolutionCrossroads/si_us_revolutionary_era_collections huggingface dataset:
Militia Officer's Short Saber, Inscribed "Bowers"
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Saber
saber
Saber; Edged Weapons; Militia; Small; Officer
Date made: c. 1760
Measurements: overall: 40 1/4 in x 4 3/4 in x 5 in; 102.235 cm x 12.065 cm x 12.7 cm
overall, saber: 3 5/8 in x 4 1/4 in x 40 1/8 in; 9.2075 cm x 10.795 cm x 101.9175 cm
Topics: American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
Horseman's Saber belonging to Major Benjamin Tallmadge
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Saber
Saber; Edged Weapons; Army; Cavalry; Officer
date made: 1776-1787
maker: Potter, James
Potter, James
Associated Place: United States
Measurements: overall: 43 1/4 in x 3 in x 6 1/2 in; 109.855 cm x 7.62 cm x 16.51 cm
Credit line: Emily Howell Wilkins
Topics: Revolution and the New Nation
American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
Description: Physical Description
Forged steel with a wooden and leather grip.
Specific History
This horseman's saber belonged to Major Benjamin Talmadge of the Second Continental Dragoons.
General History
A horseman's saber tends to be longer to account for the height of the horse. American swordsmiths made distinctive heavy sabers such as this.
Officer's Hunting Sword
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Sword
sword
Sword; Edged Weapons; Army; Long; Officer
Date made: c. 1770
unspecified: Hopkins, Alfred
place made: United Kingdom: England
associated place: United Kingdom: Grand Bretagne
Measurements: overall: 34 3/4 in x 1 in x 3 1/2 in; 88.265 cm x 2.54 cm x 8.89 cm
overall, sword: 7/8 in x 4 in x 34 5/8 in; 2.2225 cm x 10.16 cm x 87.9475 cm
Topics: Military
Saber
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Saber, Dragoon
Saber; Saber, Dragoon; Edged Weapons; Army; Dragoon
date made: ca 1780
Place Made: United Kingdom: Grand Bretagne
Associated Place: United Kingdom: Grand Bretagne
Measurements: overall: 114.6 cm x 16 cm x 7.8 cm; 45 1/8 in x 6 5/16 in x 3 1/16 in
Topics: Revolution and the New Nation
American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
Description: Physical Description
Forged steel.
General History
Straight blade saber used by the British Heavy Dragoons. Straight blade sabers were generally used as a stabbing weapon.
Andrea Fararra Broadsword
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Broadsword
broadsword
Broadsword; Edged Weapons; Army; Officer
Date made: c. 1770
maker: Ferrara, Andrea
Ferrara, Andrea
associated place: United Kingdom: Scotland
Measurements: overall: 40 in x 4 1/4 in; 101.6 cm x 10.795 cm
overall, broadsword: 4 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in x 41 in; 11.43 cm x 13.97 cm x 104.14 cm
Topics: American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
[None None '++ ++ ++ ++ ANDRIA ++ FARARRA ++ ++ ++ ++']
English Sword
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Sword
Sword; Edged Weapons; Army; Officer
Date made: c. 1751
date made: ca 1751
Place Made: United Kingdom: Grand Bretagne
made at: United Kingdom: Grand Bretagne
Measurements: overall: 31 in x 3 1/2 in x 4 1/2 in; 78.74 cm x 8.89 cm x 11.43 cm
Topics: Revolution and the New Nation
French and Indian War (United States : 1754-1763)
American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
Description: Physical Description
Forged steel with brass grip.
Specific History
English sword used during the French and Indian War.
Springfield Model 1807/1809 Flintlock Indian Carbine
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Carbine
carbine, flintlock
Carbine; Firearms; Flintlock; .54 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load
Date made: 1809
maker: Springfield Armory
Measurements: overall: 7 1/4 in x 48 in x 2 1/4 in; 18.415 cm x 121.92 cm x 5.715 cm
overall: 48 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in; 123.19 cm x 6.35 cm
Model 1807/1808 Navy Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Navy; Flintlock; .56 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1808
maker: Guest, John
place made: United States
Physical Description: iron (part material)
brass (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 16 1/4 in; 41.275 cm
overall: 2 1/8 in x 16 1/2 in x 6 in; 5.3975 cm x 41.91 cm x 15.24 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .54 caliber smoothbore flintlock Navy Pistol was made for the U.S. government by an unknown maker around 1807. The barrel is pin fastened and it has an iron belt hook on the sideplate, brass mountings, and a wooden ramrod.
The lockplate is stamped “DREPERT” and has a federal “US” stamp at the rear. There is also a raised “P” stamped in the oval proofmark.
History:
Although the maker of this pistol is unknown, its lock is stamped “DREPERT” and the hammer is marked “US.”
The pistol probably was made under U.S. contract. The belt hook on the pistol signifies that it is a ship’s pistol. Several other traits denote the pistol’s Navy usage. The “US” stamp on the lockplate also represents a U.S. contract. It is most likely that Drepert was commissioned to make this type of pistol for the Navy.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p.212
Robert McCormick 1798 Contract Model Flintlock Musket
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Musket
musket, flintlock
Musket; Firearms; Flintlock; .69 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: 1799
maker: McCormick, Robert
Measurements: overall: 6 1/2 in x 59 in x 2 3/4 in; 16.51 cm x 149.86 cm x 6.985 cm
overall: 60 1/2 in x 2 3/4 in; 153.67 cm x 6.985 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Virginia Manufactory Model 1797 Percussion Conversion Musket
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Musket
musket, percussion conversion
musket, percussion converted
Musket; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .70 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: 1818
1802
maker: Virginia Manufactory
place made: United States: Virginia, Richmond
Measurements: overall, musket: 57 1/4 in x 2 1/2 in; 145.415 cm x 6.35 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Thomas French Flintlock Rifle
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Rifle
rifle, flintlock
Rifle; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .54 In; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1810
maker: French, Thomas
Measurements: overall: 55 1/2 in x 2 3/4 in; 140.97 cm x 6.985 cm
Committee of Safety Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .64 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1775
associated institution: Committee of Safety
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 15 7/8 in; x 40.3225 cm
overall: 15 7/8 in x 6 1/8 in x 2 1/4 in; 40.3225 cm x 15.5575 cm x 5.715 cm
Miles Officer's Holster Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .60 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1800
maker: Miles, John
place made: United States
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 14 1/8 in; 35.8775 cm
overall: 1 7/8 in x 14 1/2 in x 5 5/8 in; 4.7625 cm x 36.83 cm x 14.2875 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .60 caliber smoothbore flintlock Holster pistol was made under militia contract by John Miles in Philadelphia. It is pin fastened with a half octagonal barrel and a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip. It has brass mountings and an acorn filial on the trigger guard. It also has a gooseneck hammer and flat sided grips,
The octagonal part to the barrel is stamped “PHILADA” and is struck “PROVED” in gold.
History:
Because there is no date on this pistol, it could have been made by John Miles Sr. or his son John Miles Jr. Miles Sr. moved to Philadelphia from London, England in 1790. He opened a “Gun and Pistol Manufactory”. An advertisement in the Philadelphia archives from 1798 reads, “Guns and Pistol Manufactory; No. 500 North Street; Where merchants, Captains of vessels and others may be supplied with all sorts of small arms, on the lowest terms and shortest notice.” Miles Sr. died in 1808. His son Miles Jr. went on to fulfill other pistol contracts at Bordentown, New Jersey after his father’s death.
The flat sided grip on this pistol is more representative of a civilian than a military grip. It is one of the types of firearms, Miles’s company offered in the 1798 advertisement.
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. 132.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 106.
Model 1797 Ship's Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Navy; Flintlock; .69 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1799
maker: McCormick, Robert
place made: United States
United Kingdom: Grand Bretagne
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 16 1/4 in; 41.275 cm
overall: 16 1/4 in x 6 1/4 in x 2 1/8 in; 41.275 cm x 15.875 cm x 5.3975 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .64 caliber smoothbore flintlock Model 1797 Ship’s Pistol was made by Robert McCormick. The lock, made by the British Ketland & Co., is completely flat. It has a pin fastened full walnut stock, brass mountings with a brass reinforcing band, and a wooden ramrod with swelled tip.
It is stamped “KETLAND & CO’ in script and “UNITED STATES” on the lockplate. The barrel is stamped “P” with an eagle head and “US” is stamped on the top of the barrel near the breech. The stock is stamped “US” under the side plate
History:
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 to produce 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.
The Model 1797 Navy Pistol is one of the rarest early U.S. military handguns. Not much is known about their date of manufacture but it likely predates the Model 1799 North and Cheney pistols. The British locks are probably part of rifle locks purchased by the U.S. government in 1799. McCormick pistols often have Ketland & Co. locks.
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. 96.
Model 1808 Navy Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Navy; Flintlock; .67 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1808
maker: North, Simeon
place made: United States: Connecticut, Berlin
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 16 1/4 in; 41.275 cm
overall: 16 1/4 in x 7 in x 2 3/8 in; 41.275 cm x 17.78 cm x 6.0325 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .64 caliber smoothbore, flintlock Mode 1808 pistol was made by Simeon North. It was standard production for the U.S. Navy. This pistol is pin fastened with a full walnut stock and hickory ramrod with a swelled tip. It has brass mountings including a brass flashpan with fence lock. An iron backstrap extends from tang to butt cap. An iron belt hook is attached to the sideplate.
On the lockplate is an “eagle over U.STATES” stamp under the flashpan and a “S. NORTH/BERLIN/CON.” Stamp at the rear. Two internal “694” stamps are found both on the left side of the breech plug and in the stock under the backstrap.
History:
This type of pistol was created by Simeon North as the standard issue for the U.S. Navy used during the War of 1812. The pistols were manufactured in his first factory in Berlin, Connecticut. 3,000 of these Model 1808 Navy pistols were produced – 2,000 pistols in 1808 and another 1,000 in 1810. The production for these pistols set the standard for American manufacturing.
It is believed that North paired his pistols like the Harper’s Ferry Armory. In the records for North pistols, there are two pistols that share the same three digit serial number. The stamps are internal and difficult to locate, so this discovery was not made easily.
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. 138.
Model 1808 Flintlock contract pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .54 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1808
maker: Henry, Joseph
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 16 3/8 in; x 41.5925 cm
overall: 2 1/4 in x 16 1/2 in x 5 5/8 in; 5.715 cm x 41.91 cm x 14.2875 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Model 1807/1808 Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .54 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: 1808
maker: Calderwood, William
place made: United States: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 39.7002 cm; 15 5/8 in
overall: 15 5/8 in x 5 7/8 in x 2 1/8 in; 39.6875 cm x 14.9225 cm x 5.3975 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .54 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1807 pistol was made by William Calderwood of Philadelphia under U.S. contract. It has brass mountings, a brass blade front sight, a brass forestock reinforcing band, a pin fastened barrel and wooden ramrod.
The lockplate is stamped “CALDERWOOD/PHILA” and “US/1808”. There is an eagle over a “P” on the top left side of the barrel.
History:
William Calderwood was a pistol and rifle maker located on Germantown Road in Philadelphia, Pa from 1807 through 1817. He was contracted on April 21, 1808 to make 60 pairs of horse pistols for Tench Coxe. Coxe was a controversial character during this time period. President Thomas Jefferson named him Purveyor of Public Supplies from 1803-1812. Before that however he was a loyalist to the British government.
These pistols were delivered in three batches from June 30 and December 22, 1808. This pistol is the only 1807 contract pistol dated on the lockplate. The proofmarks of other known Calderwood 1807 pistols are different than the proofmarks on this pistol as well. No known reason has been found for these discrepancies.
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. 33.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 226.
Model 1808 Naval
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Navy; Flintlock; .54 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1808
maker: Henry, Joseph
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 16 3/8 in; x 41.5925 cm
overall: 2 5/8 in x 16 3/8 in x 6 3/8 in; 6.6675 cm x 41.5925 cm x 16.1925 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Model 1808 Navy Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Navy; Flintlock; .69 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1809
manufacturer: North, Simeon
maker: North, Simeon
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 16 1/2 in; x 41.91 cm
overall: 16 1/2 in x 6 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in; 41.91 cm x 16.51 cm x 6.35 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Rappahannock Forge Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .69 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1780
maker: Hunter, James
Hunter, James
Measurements: overall: 15 1/4 in; x 38.735 cm
overall: 15 1/4 in x 5 3/4 in x 2 5/16 in; 38.735 cm x 14.605 cm x 5.9055 cm
Model 1808 Navy Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Navy; Flintlock; .68 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1809
maker: North, Simeon
place made: United States: Connecticut, Berlin
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 16 1/4 in; 41.275 cm
overall: 16 1/4 in x 6 1/2 in x 2 3/4 in; 41.275 cm x 16.51 cm x 6.985 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .67 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1808 Navy pistol was made by Simeon North. It varies from the North Model 1808 Navy Pistol, Standard Production (1983.0777.07) because of the bag grip. This pistol is pin fastened with a walnut stock and a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip. It has brass mountings including a brass flashpan. There is an iron backstrap extending from tang to butt cap, and an iron belt hook attached on reverse.
The lockplate has an eagle over “U.STATES” stamp under the flashpan and “S.NORTH/BERLIN/CON.” stamp at the rear. The stock has a “V” at the rear of the side plate. The serial number is 335.
History:
North made this type of pistol in two contracts – one in 1808 and the other in 1810. This type of pistol was most likely produced during the 1808 contract because of its grip. A bag grip makes a pistol heavier and therefore would not have been as efficient as the Standard Production pistol.
While the grip is unusual for use in the U.S. Navy, there is another unusual feature. The stamped letters are smaller than the Standard Production Model 1808 pistols. The text and symbols however are the same.
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. 140
Model 1808 Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .58 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1808
maker: Guest, John
place made: United States: Pennsylvania, Lancaster
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 16 in; 40.64 cm
overall: 16 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in x 2 1/4 in; 41.91 cm x 13.97 cm x 5.715 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .58 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1808 pistol was made by John Guest of Lancaster, Pa. The locks were made by Drepert, a sub-contractor. It is full pin fastened with a walnut stock, brass mountings, a wooden ramrod, and a reinforced double neck hammer.
The lockplate is stamped “DREPERT” under the flash pan and “US” by the rear. “J GUEST” is stamped in script on the top of the barrel by the breech.
History:
John Guest opened at factory at Lancaster Borough in Lancaster, Pa. He was in production from 1802-1809. He produced many rifles and Model 1807 pistols for contract. It is known that the lockmaker Drepert was his main contractor.
Guest’s pistols were ordered under U.S. government contract from Tench Coxe. Coxe was a controversial character during this time period. President Thomas Jefferson named him Purveyor of Public Supplies from 1803-1812. Before that however he was a loyalist to the British government.
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. 80.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 214.
Holster Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .52 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1790
associated person: Paul, L
maker: Halbach & Sons
place made: United States: Maryland
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 12 5/8 in; 32.0675 cm
overall: 12 3/8 in x 5 in x 1 7/8 in; 31.4325 cm x 12.7 cm x 4.7625 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
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.