Flint Lock Identification

[Foma]

Good Morning -

I know this isn't a long rifle, but I couldn't find a forum to help me out. There is an old flint lock for sale which looks like it was converted to a percussion. I was hoping to find more information along with a general value. Any help would be appreciated.

V/r,

Paul

[smart dog]

Hi,
It is a U.S. Model 1836 military pistol made by Asa Waters of Millbury, Massachusetts under contract with the US government.  Waters operated a private armory that made a number of different US military firearms.  Your pistol was originally flint and was the last flintlock pistol adopted by the US Army.  In 1839, they sold for $9.00, I don't know what it is worth now.

dave

[Hungry Horse]

The conversion on your Waters pistol, is called a Belgian conversion. Many flintlock muskets, and pistols, were converted this way around the time of the Civil War. It was pretty much a quick dirty conversion to percussion. It is one of the harder conversions to reconvert to flint.

  Hungry Horse

[Foma]

Interesting. What can you tell me about rarity, any concerns, and current value?

Thanks in Advance,

Paul F.

[Seth Isaacson]

23,000 were manufactured by Asa H. Waters in Millbury, Mass., in 1836-1844. Many were converted to percussion like your. They can be worth a few thousand in high condition and especially if original flint, but converted ones in decent condition are generally closer to $500-700. Lower condition converted pieces are more like $300-500.