RevolutionCrossroads/si_us_revolutionary_era_collections huggingface dataset:
Holster Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .65 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1776
maker: Waters, Asa
place made: United States: Massachusetts, Sutton
Physical Description: brass (part material)
iron (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 33.8582 cm; 13 5/16 in
overall: 13 3/8 in x 5 1/4 in x 2 1/8 in; 33.9725 cm x 13.335 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 .65 caliber smoothbore flintlock pistol was made by Asa Waters. It has a brass barrel pinned to a full stock. It is brass mounted with a swollen wooden ramrod. It has decorated furniture, and a grotesque engraving of a face in the buttplate.
The left side of the barrel is stamped “PRO” / “VED”. “SUTTON” is engraved on the top of the barrel and on the button is “VI”. The lockplate is stamped “WATERS”.
History:
Asa Waters was born in Sutton, Mass. He and his brother Andrus bought a factory in Singletary Creek in 1776. After two years in business, Andrus died. Asa continued the company and became known as a musket maker for the Council of Safety. He also served as a Lieutenant in the Lexington Alarm, an auxiliary militia group. In 1782, he moved the factory to Millbury, Mass. and named the company Asa Waters & Co. His company was succeeded by his two sons Asa H. and Elijah in 1814.
This particular pistol was produced by Asa Waters before his move to Millbury, Mass. It was most likely contracted for use during the Revolutionary War. The design of the pistol is copied from English 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. 203-204.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 28.
Holster Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .69 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1790
maker: Halbach & Sons
place made: United States: Maryland, Baltimore
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 13 in; 33.02 cm
overall: 12 7/8 in x 6 in x 2 in; 32.7025 cm x 15.24 cm x 5.08 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .67 caliber U.S. smoothbore holster pistol was made by Halbach and Sons. It has a pin fastened full walnut stock, an iron barrel, and brass furniture. It has a large shell design relief carving on stock around tang.
There is an eagle and shield with a cluster of 13 stars on the butt cap. The trigger guard and side plate are engraved. There are no other stamps.
History:
Halbach and Sons originated in Baltimore, MD around 1780. They were famous for producing bronze cannon muzzle style barrels and bronze mountings. A Halbach and Sons pistol can also be identified by the brass butt cap that depicts an American spread eagle surrounded by 13 stars. It will also have a raised carving around the tang and a lockplate stamped “Halbach & Sons.”
This pistol is an example of the lack of standardization in the 18th century. The brass butt cap has an American folk art style engraving but it does not have any of the stamps that signify it as a Halbach and Sons 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.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 118.
Model 1807-1808 Flintlock Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .54 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: c. 1808
maker: Henry, Joseph
Henry, Joseph
Measurements: overall: 16 1/4 in; x 41.275 cm
overall: 16 1/4 in x 5 1/2 in x 2 in; 41.275 cm x 13.97 cm x 5.08 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Model 1808 Flintlock Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Navy; Center Fire; .65 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1808
maker: North, Simeon
North, Simeon
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 16 3/8 in; x 41.5925 cm
overall: 16 3/4 in x 6 in x 2 5/8 in; 42.545 cm x 15.24 cm x 6.6675 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Topics: War of 1812
McCormick Horse Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .69 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1799
maker: McCormick, Robert
place made: United States: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 16 1/8 in; 40.9575 cm
overall: 16 1/8 in x 6 1/2 in x 1 3/4 in; 40.9575 cm x 16.51 cm x 4.445 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .67 caliber unproofed, smoothbore flintlock horse pistol was made by Robert McCormick of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has a pin fastened, walnut stock with a narrow brass barrel band. It has brass mountings with an engraved brass trigger guard in a pineapple finial.
This pistol does not have any proof marks but does have “UNITED/STATES” stamped at the rear of the lockplate and “Ketland/&Co.” stamped in script under the flash pan.
History:
Robert McCormick is 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.
This pistol is very rare. Because there are no proofmarks, two theories emerge for this pistol. The first is that it was sold for civilian use. The trigger guard’s engraving is not that of a military pistol and the side plate is not symmetrical. Also the grip has a sharper slope than a military horseman pistol. The second theory is that because of its martial size, this pistol could have been put together from parts in a military warehouse.
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. 92.
Model 1805 Flintlock Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .54 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: 1808
maker: Harpers Ferry
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 16 1/2 in; x 41.91 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: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Model 1808
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .58 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1808
maker: Henry, John Joseph
Henry, John Joseph
Henry, Joseph
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 16 in; x 40.64 cm
overall: 2 1/4 in x 16 3/8 in x 6 in; 5.715 cm x 41.5925 cm x 15.24 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
McCormick Type Ship's 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 1800
maker: Ketland & Co.
place made: United States
associated place: United States: New York
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 .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.
Dragoon Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .69 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1780
maker: Hunter, James
place made: United States: Virginia, Falmouth
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 15 in; 38.1 cm
overall: 15 in x 5 5/8 in x 2 1/4 in; 38.1 cm x 14.2875 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 .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.
Norty & Cheney Model 1799 Flintlock Pistol, Second Model
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .72 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1800
maker: North, Simeon
place made: United States: Connecticut, Berlin
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 14 1/4 in; 36.195 cm
overall: 14 1/4 in x 5 7/8 in x 2 1/8 in; 36.195 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 .72 caliber smoothbore, flintlock U.S. Second Model 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, “NORTH & CHENEY BERLIN” is stamped. The barrel has a “P” on the left side and a “V” on the screw heads.
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 pistol was modeled after the Model 1777 French pistol. This pistol is from the Second contract. Archived correspondence between North and the War department in 1801 and 1802 that verify shipments of these North and Cheney pistols.
This particular pistol – numbered 311 – was part of the William M. Locke Collection and was sold to the Bitter Collection in 1973.
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. 142.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 130.
Hall Breech-Loading Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, percussion, breech-loading
pistol; Firearms; Percussion Fire; .50 In; Smooth Bore; Breechloader; 03
date made: ca 1810
maker: Hall, John H.
place made: United States
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 14 3/8 in; 36.5125 cm
overall: 14 3/8 in x 6 in x 1 5/8 in; 36.5125 cm x 15.24 cm x 4.1275 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
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.
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
maker: North, Simeon
North, Simeon
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 16 1/4 in; x 41.275 cm
overall: 16 1/4 in x 6 1/4 in x 2 3/4 in; 41.275 cm x 15.875 cm x 6.985 cm
Model 1808
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: Shuler, John
Sweitzer, Daniel
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 15 7/8 in; x 40.3225 cm
overall: 2 1/8 in x 15 7/8 in x 5 1/2 in; 5.3975 cm x 40.3225 cm x 13.97 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
McCormick Type 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 1797
pistol maker: unknown
lock maker: Ketland & Co.
place made: United States
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 16 1/2 in; 41.91 cm
overall: 16 1/2 in x 6 1/2 in x 2 5/16 in; 41.91 cm x 16.51 cm x 5.9055 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
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.
Holster Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .38 In; Rifled; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1780
maker: Earle, Thomas
place made: United States: Massachusetts, Leicester
associated place: Germany
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 14 1/8 in; 35.8775 cm
overall: 14 1/8 in x 5 1/2 in x 2 in; 35.8775 cm x 13.97 cm x 5.08 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .38 caliber rifled flintlock pistol was made by Thomas Earle of Leicester, Massachusetts. It is pin fastened with brass mountings. It has a light colored fruitwood stock with horn tipped forend and floral pattern carvings around the barrel tang.
A raised “TE” in a sunken oval is stamped on the left side of the barrel. The lockplate is stamped “T. EARL.”
History:
Thomas Earle was a prominent American gunsmith during the late 18th century. He was in business from 1770 through 1790. His factory was often frequented due to its location on the Great Post Road in between Boston and Philadelphia.
The appearance of this pistol is unusual for the time period. The butt cap has an English Cavalry appearance while the lock and trigger have a German influence. It is possible Earle studied his trade in Europe and England.
This pistol is also unique because it is the only known pistol signed by Earl. He was known to sign his long arms. There are four other fowling pieces and one fusil piece that bear his signature, but this example is the only 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. 57.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 62.
Hall Breech-Loading Flintlock Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock, breech-loading
pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .48 In; Smooth Bore; Breechloader; 03
date made: ca 1810
maker: Hall, John H.
place made: United States: Maine, Yarmouth
Physical Description: bronze (part material)
iron (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 14 1/2 in; 36.83 cm
overall: 14 1/2 in x 6 3/4 in x 1 3/4 in; 36.83 cm x 17.145 cm x 4.445 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 breech-loading flintlock pistol was made by John. H. Hall. It has a walnut stock, a pin fastened bronze barrel, a bronze breech block, brass mountings, an iron reinforcing band at the end of stock, iron strips along breech block, checkered grips, an acorn filial on the trigger guard, and decorative engravings on the tang and tang screw.
The breech is stamped “55”.
History:
John H. Hall shares a joint patent with William Thornton for the breech loading flintlock rifle on May 21, 1811. This pistol was likely produced after the patent date. Hall was employed by many different armories including Harpers Ferry from 1816 through 1840.
Because Hall was known for breech loading flintlock rifles, finding a pistol – like this one- that is a breech loader is extremely rare.
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.