Williamsburg US Historical Thomas Jefferson Flintlock Pistols, ATF Antique
SOLD FOR: $2000
LSB#: 210713PM04 and 210713PM05
Make: Williamsburg Firearms Manufactory, Authorized by United States Historical Society
Model: Replicas of Thomas Jefferson’s Dealtry pistol set on display at Monticello
Serial#: 171A and 171B
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1980
Caliber/Gauge: .42 Caliber Ball
Action Type: Queen Anne style Cannon Barrel Boxlock Screw Barreled Flintlock Pistols
Markings: The left side of each frame is marked “DEALTRY” on a banner and the right “LONDON” on a banner. The bottom of each chamber is marked with the serial number. The wrench lug of each gun is marked with that pistol’s letter suffix. The rear of each grip has a silver oval escutcheon marked “TJ”. The frame is decoratively engraved. The bottom tang of each pistol is marked with a crowned “W” Williamsburg Firearms Manufactory logo.
Barrel Length: The round banded “cannon” barrels are 5 1/4” in length.
Sights/ Optics: None
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are one-piece close-grain smooth walnut with silver grotesque mask caps. There are some minor handling marks on the grips but no noteworthy defects. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: The barrels and frames are brass, the frizzen, cock, trigger and guard are bright steel. The grip caps and initial plates are silver.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in either bore.
Overall Condition: 171A: This pistol retains approximately 97% of its metal finish. The grip cap and initial plate have scattered light tarnish which should polish out easily, the frizzen has light operational wear and the left side of the receiver and bottom tang has developed some verdigris. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
171B: This pistol retains approximately 97% of its metal finish. Notably, the grip cap and initial plate have scattered light tarnish which should polish out easily, the frizzen has light operational wear and the barrel, top and bottom tangs have developed light verdigris. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The actions function correctly. The trigger guards slide forward and back. In their forward position, they prevent the hammer from being drawn to full cock from half-cock. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pair of pistols comes in a hand made Queen Anne style Mahogany case with ebony and boxwood inlay border on the lid, brass hinges and handles, a brass ring which is missing a screw and is now loose, hand-lined green velvet interior with lidded corner compartments, well-fit compartments for the pistols and compartments for the included barrel wrench, bullet mold and screw-driver. All accessories are in Excellent condition. A glued on sign marked “The Thomas Jefferson Pistols / Authorized by / United States Historical Society” is in the case but has fallen from the lid. Several balls are also included in the case
Our Assessment: This is a beautiful cased set of pistols made to exacting specifications to replicate a pair of pistols personally owned by Thomas Jefferson which are still on display at Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Produced by the Williamsburg Firearms Manufactory, which was a company run by the U.S. Historical society from 1978-86, this was a tribute to one of the most important men in American history. Only 1000 of these sets were produced, after which the molds and tooling were destroyed. This is a gorgeous set and a great tribute to an even greater man. Please see our photos and good luck!