North Model 1811 Pistol
Simeon North · Pistol · Discontinued · 1811
Also known as: S. North Model 1811, US Model 1811 Army Pistol, North Berlin Connecticut Pistol
Overview
The North Model 1811 Pistol is a .69 caliber single-shot flintlock martial pistol manufactured by Simeon North of Berlin, Connecticut, for the United States Army. It features an 8.75-inch smoothbore round barrel, a full walnut stock pinned to the barrel, brass furniture including the ramrod pipe, side plate, trigger guard, fenced flash pan and butt cap, and a wooden ramrod with a swelled tip. The lock is marked with a spread eagle over 'U.STATES' ahead of the hammer and 'S.NORTH / BERLIN / CON' behind it. Roughly 606 examples were produced in this early configuration around 1811-1813.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1219 g (43.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Barrel Length | 222 mm (8.74") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Flintlock |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Effective Range | 20 m (22 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Bright |
Calibers
- .69 Caliber Musket Ball · primary — also known as 0.69 in, 17.5 mm ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock
- Features: Single Shot, Wooden Ramrod, Brass Furniture, Full Walnut Stock, Fenced Flash Pan
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1811 · as Model 1811
Conflicts
- War of 1812 (1812-1815)
Production
Estimated total produced: 606 · Production years: 1811-1813
Approximately 606 early-configuration Model 1811 pistols made without the double-strap iron barrel band.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Simeon North
Discontinued: 1813
Notes
Early Model 1811 pistols lacked the double-strap iron barrel band later added on the so-called 'Transition' Model 1811 examples. The pistol was made under U.S. government contract and inspected by martial arms inspectors such as Charles Williams.
Background
Simeon North was one of the first American arms contractors to embrace interchangeable parts, and his U.S. government pistol contracts helped pioneer the manufacturing system that would later define the American arms industry.