Make: Not Marked, American

Model: Flintlock Pistols

Serial Number: None

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1770s

Caliber: Approximately .50 caliber ball.

Action Type: Single Shot Flintlock Pistols

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights/Optics: None.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are one-piece decoratively carved walnut with iron buttcaps, silver-plated sideplates, grooves and ferrules for included ramrods.

Pistol 1: The stock shows scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, and streaks of discoloration. There are a few tiny losses around the edges. There are no cracks. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Pistol 2: The wood shows similar wear and discoloration to Pistol 1, but has a repaired break through the grip. Overall, the stock is in Good condition as repaired Antique.

Type of Finish: Bright, Silver, Gold-fill on Barrel Engravings

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright with some light erosion and stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 6+/10.

Overall Condition: The pistols retain about 25% of their original finish. The silver on the sideplates have a slightly darkened patina. The barrels and fixtures have areas gone to a patina with other areas semi-bright. Some portions of the gold fill on the barrel engravings have worn while others are fairly strong. The screw heads are tooled with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, these pistols are in Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The actions function correctly. We did not fire these pistols. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Documentation of a Captain James Leach, Cape Elizabeth is included.

Our Assessment: This is a handsome brace of flintlock pistols, each inscribed on their sideplate "his pistol Capt James Leach MASS.". The pistols are attributed to James Leach of Cape Elizabeth, then in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. Leach was appointed and commissioned November 18, 1776 to raise a Company of matrosses, or artillery privates. Documentation included with the pistols indicate his company consisted of at least 41 men, including one who was confined, as well as payroll for the period of 3 months, 2 days.

At the time, Cape Elizabeth was a staunchly Patriot region. According to a history of Cape Elizabeth by Marian Peabbles Johnson from 1954, "There is no mention of any Tories from this parish", unlike their neighbors in Falmouth. While it is possible that Captain Leach's service was quite short, it may also be the case that only the one payroll record is still available, and he went on to serve more during America's founding conflict. In any case, this handsome pair of pistols will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any American Patriot. Please see our photos and good luck!