The topic of American-made holster pistols can be somewhat controversial among collectors. It seems like everyone who has an old flintlock to sell lays some claim of it being "used by the Patriots during the War for Independence". Unfortunately, because most of the records recording pre-Independence pistols has been lost to history, the modern day collector is left with little more than circumstantial evidence and conjecture regarding a particular piece's "war-use"; and often this can lead to a lot of post war English, French and German pieces getting marketed as "true weapons of General Washington's army".
Fortunately, there is no truth-bending that need be applied to this particular piece; as it has all the hallmarks of a true, American-made, Revolutionary War relic.
This pistol was assemble from a mixture of British French and Indian War era components. This is typical of American, war time guns, as new parts from Europe were in short supply. The butt cap and trigger guard were taken from a 1759 Elliot Light Dragoon pistol. The trigger guard, in fact still retains its original British Regiment marking. The lock and barrel were salvaged from a 1760 Long Sea Service pistol; the barrel having been cut down to be more appropriate for cavalry use.
The stock was made from Cherry - a uniquely American wood. The stock architecture was shaped in a style which would be appropriate for the mid 18th Century, with the inclusion of "beaver tail" molding around the barrel tang. There is no side plate; which is another feature common to American pistols.
The pistol as a whole is in great shape with no damage to the stock. The lock functions well although the cock does not hold cock reliably.
This pistol would be a great addition to any Rev. War buff's collection. Few pistols can be argued as true American Revolutionary War pieces as convincingly as this one.
