Jessesky
Member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2016
- Messages
- 981
Hi Guys,
A couple of firearms with a significant role in history followed me home this week. I thought you may find it interesting. One being an 1816 Simeon North pistol, and the other an 1836 Robert Johnson Pistol.
Simeon north was the first official US pistol maker. In 1813 he was contracted by the US government to manufacture 20,000 pistols with parts interchangeability. A daunting task. Before now all parts were hand crafted and unique. To do this North is credited with inventing the milling machine, and making the 1816 pistol (top) the first ever milled firearm. Some parts were still handcrafted and hand fitted. These were produced in Middletown, CT.
Now some 20 years later the last US contracted flintlock pistol came into production, the 1836 Robert Johnson pistol (bottom). This was also milled of course. Interestingly enough Robert Johnson was an inspector for Simeon North when he was manufacturing 1816 pistols. You can clearly see the resemblance in design. Interesting how things go full circle.
Even though they’re now 203 and 183 years old, I’ll take them out and see if I can do a range report!
A couple of firearms with a significant role in history followed me home this week. I thought you may find it interesting. One being an 1816 Simeon North pistol, and the other an 1836 Robert Johnson Pistol.
Simeon north was the first official US pistol maker. In 1813 he was contracted by the US government to manufacture 20,000 pistols with parts interchangeability. A daunting task. Before now all parts were hand crafted and unique. To do this North is credited with inventing the milling machine, and making the 1816 pistol (top) the first ever milled firearm. Some parts were still handcrafted and hand fitted. These were produced in Middletown, CT.
Now some 20 years later the last US contracted flintlock pistol came into production, the 1836 Robert Johnson pistol (bottom). This was also milled of course. Interestingly enough Robert Johnson was an inspector for Simeon North when he was manufacturing 1816 pistols. You can clearly see the resemblance in design. Interesting how things go full circle.
Even though they’re now 203 and 183 years old, I’ll take them out and see if I can do a range report!
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