U.S. Historical Society George Washington Pair Silver Mounted Flintlocks
SOLD FOR: $1,694.99
LSB#: LSB260128MC016, LSB260128MC015
Make: Centaure of Liege, Belgium
Model: George Washington Commemorative Flintlock
Serial Number: 157A, 157B
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: .58 Cal
Action Type: Single Shot, Muzzleloading Flintlock, Smooth Bore, Pistol.
Barrel Length: 8″ Brass Smoothbore
Sights/ Optics: There is no provision for a front sight. There is a gutter notch on the upper tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are one piece smooth walnut with silver inlays throughout. There are light handling marks and a few small scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall these stocks are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Brass, Silver, Arsenal Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: These bores are bright and shiny. They do not appear to have been fired. In this writer’s opinion these bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: These pistols retain 99% of their original finish. There is light tarnish on the brass and silver. There are light handling marks and scratches. These pistols have been sparked a few times but do not appear to have been fired. Overall these pistols are in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: These pistols appear to be functional. The flints spark. The touch holes are clear. We did not fire these pistols. As with all used guns a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Presentation box, instructions, white gloves, key.
Our Assessment: The U.S. Historical Society George Washington commemorative flintlock pistols, produced in 1976 by Centaure of Liege, Belgium, were created as part of the American Bicentennial celebration, honoring the nation’s founding era and its most prominent figure. Limited to 975 matched pairs, these pistols draw inspiration from late 18th century American and European officer’s pistols, featuring smoothbore .58 caliber barrels and traditional flintlock ignition. While commemorative in nature, they reflect period styling with brass furniture, silver mounts, and classical lines reminiscent of Revolutionary War sidearms. Their association with the Bicentennial and limited production adds historical context beyond their decorative appeal.
This matched pair, numbered 157A and 157B, retains approximately 99% of its original finish, with only light tarnish on the brass and silver components and minimal handling marks throughout. The smooth walnut stocks with silver inlays remain in Excellent condition, showing only minor surface wear with no structural issues. The bores are bright and appear unfired, rating 10/10, further supporting their preserved condition. The simple sighting arrangement, consisting of a tang groove without a front sight, remains consistent with period-style pistols. Both pistols have been sparked, indicating light handling, but show no evidence of firing.
Mechanically, the pistols appear functional, with the locks producing spark and the touch holes remaining clear, though they have not been test fired. The set is accompanied by its original presentation box, instructions, and white gloves, reinforcing its role as a commemorative display piece. As a limited Bicentennial production set, these pistols represent a blend of historical tribute and decorative craftsmanship, offering a visually striking pair tied to a significant moment in American history. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF