Model 1842 Percussion Pistol by I.N. Johnson, Property of Rear Admiral Samuel F. du Pont  

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Historic Firearms and Early Militaria: Day 1

By Cowan's Auctions

Apr 29, 2015 - Apr 30, 2015

Set Reminder 2015-04-29 10:00:00 2015-04-30 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Historic Firearms and Early Militaria: Day 1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/historic-firearms-and-early-militaria-day-1-555
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• Lot Description
  .54 caliber, 8.5” round barrel, brass mountings, swivel-type steel ramrod and wood stock.
  
  Important U.S. military historically-associated having been the property of Rear Admiral Samuel F. du Pont (1803-1865), accompanied by cdv and research binder.
  
  Admiral du Pont was born in Bergen Point, NJ on 27 September 1803. He was appointed a midshipman in December 1815 and worked his way thru the ranks on a series of ships (and service in European, West Indies and Mexican waters) until reaching the rank of Commander in 1842. After a brief service in China, Du Pont was commanding the “Cyane” in 1846 when he captured San Diego, took possession of La Paz, the capital of Lower California, spiked the guns of San Blas and entered the harbor of Guaymas to take control of that port. He also took part in the capture of Mazatlan in 1847. Du Pont later served again in China, then traveled to Japan and Arabia before returning to Boston where in May 1859, he was placed in charge of the Philadelphia Naval Yard.
  
  At the outbreak of the Civil War, he sent a Naval force to the Chesapeake to protect the landing of troops at Annapolis. He was then made president of a board convened in Washington to develop a general plan of naval operations against the insurgent states.
  
  In October 1861, he led an expedition to Norfolk, VA of the largest fleet ever commanded by an American officer to that date and on 7 November 1861, successfully captured Port Royal and helped secure the southern waters of Georgia and the entire eastern coast of Florida. For these efforts, du Pont was appointed to the rank of Rear Admiral on 16 July 1862 and continued his naval activities in defense of the Union including being one of the architects of organizing the U.S. Naval Academy. While on a trip to Philadelphia on 23 June 1865, the Admiral died and is buried in the du Pont family cemetery in Greenville, Delaware.
  
  Du Pont's service was recognized by Congress nearly two decades later, and a statue erected in Pacific Circle - renamed Du Pont Circle - in Washington.
  
  A rare chance to possess a personal sidearm of a great figure in early U.S. Naval history. Suitable for display in any museum or personal collection.
  
  Impeccable provenance as this gun descended in the Admiral’s family to famous early collector, Charles du Pont (1934-2008) and then directly to our consignor. 
  
  Provenance: Ex U.S. Admiral Samuel F. DuPont

  Condition

  This gun is in overall very good + condition showing a brown patina to the barrel and rammer with the lockplate displaying a silvery tone. The brass mountings have aged to a pleasing taffy-colored patina. The action is crisp, the bore good and the markings are clear including the date of 1855 on the back of the lockplate, the date 1850 on the barrel tang and “US”, “WN” and “P” inspection and proof marks on the left side of the barrel at the breech. The stock is overall very good showing scattered scratches and mars from carrying and storage.
• Shipping Info

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