Model 1816 flintlock pistol manufactured by Simeon North of Middletown, Connecticut, for the US Government circa 1817. The pistol is 54 caliber with 9 1/16? round barrel, walnut stock, and metal-tipped hickory ramrod. The lockplate is stamped with early style markings, "S. North" arching over an eagle motif flanked by "US," marked "Midl'tn Conn" below. The left rear side of the barrel is marked "P/US," and the oval inspector's cartouche to the left side of the stock is worn. Exhibits a deep pit near the "P/US" markings on the barrel, and a couple professionally repaired cracks to the walnut stock near the hardware.Born in 1765, Simeon North was a noted gun manufacturer based in Middletown, Connecticut, who is generally credited with the development of America's first milling machine and played an important role in the development of interchangeable parts manufacturing. By 1813, he had secured a government contract to produce 20,000 pistols, which stipulated that parts of the locks had to be completely interchangeable between each other—the first contract of this type known to exist. This is an antique firearm and transfers with no federal restriction.Format: Gun