RevolutionCrossroads/si_us_revolutionary_era_collections huggingface dataset:
Light Dragoon Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .67 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1779
associated institution: Committee of Safety
maker: unknown
place made: United States
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 14 7/8 in; 37.7825 cm
overall: 14 7/8 in x 6 in x 2 1/4 in; 37.7825 cm x 15.24 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 .67 caliber smoothbore flintlock pistol was made for the Light Dragoons. It has brass furniture, a pin fastened stock, a single ramrod pipe, a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip, and a raised beaver tail carving on the stock around the tang.
The lock plate is stamped “US” under the flashpan. “U.STATES is stamped into the stock by the trigger guard. “LD” and “US” are stamped on the barrel
History:
After the French and Indian War, the British Army recognized the necessity for a pattern pistol to be created for Light Dragoon Regiments. A version was made that became popular in England. This Light Dragoon is copied from a British Dragoon pistol and similar to the Rappa Forge pistols made by James Hunter in Virginia.
It was made for use during the Revolutionary War. The initials “LD” stand for Light Dragoon. Both the 1st Continental Light Dragoons led by Commander Bland and the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons led by Colonel Talmadge carried these types of pistols. After the Revolution, these pistols remained popular until the New Land Pattern Pistol became popular in the early 1800s.
References:
Flayderman, Norm. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms…and their Values, Gun Digest Books, Iola, 2007. 9th edition.
Military Heritage Site. “British Light Dragoon (Cavalry) Pistol: American Revolution – Napoleonic Wars,” Arms Collection < www.militaryheritage.com/pistol7.htm>.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 40.
Pennsylvania Militia Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Militia; Flintlock; .67 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1795
associated date: 1794
maker: Miles, John
place made: United States: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 14 1/2 in; 36.83 cm
overall: 14 1/2 in x 6 in x 2 in; 36.83 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 .65 caliber smoothbore flintlock Pistol was made by John Miles Sr. under contract for the Pennsylvania Militia. It has brass furniture, double neck hammer a wooden ramrod and a pin fastened stock.
The barrel proof is a raised Liberty Cap and “P”. The barrel is stamped “MILES PHILAD” and the lock stamped “MILES”.
History:
John 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.”
Between the years 1797 and 1798, Miles made pistols for the Pennsylvania Militia. Under a 1798 contract, he made 2,000 muskets for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While the exact date on this pistol is unknown, it had to have been made before 1795 because the “P” on the breech was discontinued by Pennsylvania that year.
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. 104.
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U.S. Model 1805 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: 1806
associated date: 1806
maker: Harpers Ferry
place made: United States: West Virginia, Harpers Ferry
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 16 1/4 in; 41.275 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
Description: Physical Description:
This .56 caliber smoothbore flintlock U.S. Model 1805 pistol was made at Harpers Ferry. It is key fastened with a half stock. It has a brass reinforcing band and brass furniture. The round barrel with rib and ramrod ferrule is all iron.
The barrel is stamped “103” and “US” next to an eagle. The lockplate is stamped “HARPERS/FERRY/1806” and “US” under an eagle.
History:
Harper’s Ferry was named after Robert Harper – a mill owner – who purchased the land from Lord Fairfax in 1798. An Act of Congress on April 2, 1794 established the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry in Virginia. The site was personally inspected and chosen by George Washington. Harpers Ferry produced hundreds of thousands of pistols and firearms for government use between 1796 and 1861. On April 18, 186, 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.
Harper’s Ferry pistols always came in pairs and were often used as models by contractors and other armories in the United States. This particular pistol is very rare. It is stamped 1806. Despite over 300 Model 1805 pistols being manufactured at Harper’s Ferry, only 33 have been recorded to bear the 1806 stamp.
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. 84.
Smith, Samuel E. and Edwin W. Bitter. Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock 1760-1845, Scalamandre Publications, New York: 1986, p. 178.
Pennsylvania/Kentucky Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .50 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1800
maker: Shuler, John
place made: United States: Pennsylvania, Liverpool
Physical Description: brass (part material)
iron (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 14 5/8 in; 37.1475 cm
overall: 2 1/8 in x 14 3/4 in x 6 1/8 in; 5.3975 cm x 37.465 cm x 15.5575 cm
Credit line: The Adriana and Edwin W. Bitter Family Collection
Topics: The Bitter Collection of Firearms
Military
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.
Model 1805
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
Pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .54 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: 1807
associated date: 1807
maker: Harpers Ferry
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 16 in; x 40.64 cm
McCormick Model 1797 Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .67 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 1/4 in; 41.275 cm
overall: 16 1/4 in x 6 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in; 41.275 cm x 16.51 cm x 6.35 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 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
Virginia Manufactory Pistol 1st Model
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol, flintlock
pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .70 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: 1808
associated date: 1808
maker: Virginia State Armory
place made: United States: Virginia, Richmond
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 18 1/4 in; 46.355 cm
overall: 2 1/2 in x 18 1/4 in x 6 11/16 in; 6.35 cm x 46.355 cm x 16.9545 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 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.
North & Cheney Model 1799 Flintlock Pistol, First Model
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: pistol
pistol; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .72 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
date made: ca 1799
maker: North, Simeon
Cheney, Elisha
place made: United States
Physical Description: metal (part material)
wood (part material)
Measurements: overall: 14 1/2 in; 36.83 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. 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.
Pocket Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Flintlock; .50 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1790
maker: Halbach & Sons
Measurements: overall: 9 1/2 in; x 24.13 cm
overall: 1 7/8 in x 10 in x 4 7/8 in; 4.7625 cm x 25.4 cm x 12.3825 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Maryland Cavalry Flintlock Pistol
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Pistol
pistol, flintlock
Pistol; Firearms; Militia; Flintlock; .64 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1809
maker: Ketland and Allport
place made: United Kingdom
Measurements: overall: 15 1/4 in; x 38.735 cm
overall: 2 1/4 in x 15 3/8 in x 6 3/8 in; 5.715 cm x 39.0525 cm x 16.1925 cm
Harpers Ferry Model 1803 Flintlock Rifle
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Rifle
rifle, flintlock
Rifle; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .58 In; Rifled; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1803
associated date: 1806
maker: Harpers Ferry
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 49 3/4 in x 2 3/4 in; 126.365 cm x 6.985 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Richard Wilson Brown Bess Musket, 1761
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Musket
musket, flintlock
Musket; Firearms; Army; Militia; Flintlock; .72 In; Smooth Bore; Mr; Sa
Date made: ca. 1761
maker: Wilson
place made: United Kingdom
associated place: United States: New Jersey
United States
Measurements: overall: 61 1/2 in; x 156.21 cm
overall: 62 1/2 in x 2 7/8 in; 158.75 cm x 7.3025 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Description (Brief): This British musket was produced in London for use by the colony of New Jersey in the French and Indian War. New Jersey retained the musket and issued it to patriot forces at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
Committee of Safety Flintlock Musket
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Musket
musket, flintlock
Musket; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .75 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1776
associated institution: Committee of Safety
place made: United States
associated place: United States
Measurements: overall: 58 in; x 147.32 cm
overall: 58 3/8 in x 3 1/8 in; 148.2725 cm x 7.9375 cm
John Miles Model 1797 Pennsylvania Contract Flintlock Musket
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Musket
musket, flintlock
Musket; Firearms; Army; Flintlock; .70 In; Smooth Bore; Muzzle Load; Sa
Date made: ca. 1798
maker: Miles, John
place made: United States
Measurements: overall: 60 1/2 in x 2 7/8 in; 153.67 cm x 7.3025 cm
Credit line: Adriana Scalamandre Bitter and Edwin Ward Bitter for the Bitter Family Collection
Sword Presentation, Scabbard Inscribed "Presented by Gen. Washington to Gen. Benj. Lincoln"
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Sword
sword
Sword; Edged Weapons; Commemorative
associated person: Lincoln, Benjamin
Washington, George
associated place: France
Measurements: overall: 40 3/4 in; 103.505 cm
blade: 34 5/8 in; 87.9475 cm
scabbard: 34 1/4 in; 86.995 cm
overall, scabbard: 5/8 in x 2 1/4 in x 34 1/2 in; 1.5875 cm x 5.715 cm x 87.63 cm
overall, sword: 2 3/4 in x 4 in x 40 3/4 in; 6.985 cm x 10.16 cm x 103.505 cm
Topics: Yorktown Campaign
American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
Description (Brief): Sword presented by George Washington to Gen. Benjamin Lincoln
Description: Sword, scabbard, and sword knot
Benjamin Lincoln's Sword
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Sword
Sword; Edged Weapons
user: Lincoln, Benjamin
used: United States
Measurements: overall: 4 1/4 in x 31 in x 2 in; 10.795 cm x 78.74 cm x 5.08 cm
Credit line: Mrs. Henry K. Cowen
Topics: Revolution and the New Nation
American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
Description: Physical Description
Forged steel with a stained ivory-and-silvered guard and knuckle bow. Scabbard is leather with metal trim.
Specific History
Sword and scabbard carried by Major General Benjamin Lincoln throughout the Revolutionary War. General Lincoln played a major role in accepting the surrender at Yorktown.
General History
Surrender at Yorktown
General Charles Conrwallis was so mortified by his defeat that he dispatched his second-in-command, Brigadier General Charles O'Hara, to surrender his forces. When O'Hara offered Cornwallis's sword to George Washington, Washington, in keeping with the rigid hierarchies of military protocol, asked his second-in-command, Major General Benjamin Lincoln, to accept it.
During the surrender ceremonies on the afternoon of October 19, 1781, British Brigadier General Charles O'Hara led a column of British troops out of Yorktown. He surrendered to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who then directed British troops to lay down their weapons.
Belt Axe
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Axe
axe
Axe; Edged Weapons; Belt
Measurements: overall, axe: 1 3/8 in x 5 1/2 in x 14 3/8 in; 3.4925 cm x 13.97 cm x 36.5125 cm
Continental Congress Presentation Sword
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Sword
Sword; Edged Weapons; Presentation
associated person: Meigs, Return Jonathan
associated place: France
Measurements: overall: 4 in x 39 in x 3 1/4 in; 10.16 cm x 99.06 cm x 8.255 cm
Credit line: Return Jonathan Meigs IV
Topics: American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
shell
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Shell
ball, cannon
shell
Shell; Ammunition, Artillery; 3 In
Plate II A View of the Town of Concord
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Print
associated date: 1775
associated person: Doolittle, Amos
engraver: Doolittle, Amos
associated place: United States: Massachusetts, Concord
Physical Description: paper (overall material)
ink (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 15 1/8 in x 19 5/16 in; 38.4175 cm x 49.05375 cm
Topics: Revolution and the New Nation
American Revolution (1775-1783)
The Death of General Montgomery, nd
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Print
associated date: 1775
depicted (sitter): Montgomery, Richard
Physical Description: paper (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 7 1/2 in x 7 3/8 in; 19.05 cm x 18.7325 cm
Topics: Revolution and the New Nation
Art
Battle of Quebec, 1775
American Revolution (1775-1783)
War
Military
Regimental Uniform Coat of Colonel Peter Gansevoort Jr.
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: coat
coat; Man; Officer
date made: ca 1776
associated date: 1777
user: Gansevoort, Peter
used: United States: New York
Physical Description: wool (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 40 in x 24 in; 101.6 cm x 60.96 cm
Credit line: Mrs. Abraham Lansing
Topics: Revolution and the New Nation
ThinkFinity
American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
Description: Physical Description
Superfine blue wool, lined with linen and faced with red trim. It has silver civilian patterned buttons backed with bone and a silver lace on the buttonholes.
Specific History
Continental army uniform coat worn by Colonel Peter Gansevoort Jr. of the 3rd Regiment of the New York Continental Line. He wore this coat during his command of Fort Stanwix, New York, in 1777.
General History
During the first few years of the war substantial stocks of uniforms were made in such centers as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Charleston. These uniforms were made with locally woven cloth or from cloth imported from France.
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Saddle used by Baron De Kalb, American Revolutionary War
Collection: National Museum of American History
Object type: Saddle
Saddle; Equipment, Horse
Date made: 1775-1776
transfer: U.S. Patent Office
associated place: Germany
Physical Description: cloth (overall material)
leather (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 17 in x 27 in x 20 in; 43.18 cm x 68.58 cm x 50.8 cm
Topics: Battle of Camden, 1780
American Revolution (1775-1783)
Military
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