large caliber percussion pistol, engraved scrollwork on lock with stamped "J.M. Happold 1862", (J.M. Happold[t]), single trigger, likely .68 caliber 8 in. smoothbore barrel with flat at top stamped "CHARLESTON S.C.", single blade front sight, split rear sight on front of barrel tang, engraved "Flag and Cannon with Cannonballs" scene on barrel tang with engraved "Rice" at terminus, walnut stock with checkered grip, iron trigger guard with engraved rice and pineapple finial, hardwood ram rod with iron thimbles, silver thumbpiece with engraved script "B", overall 14 in.

Note: The 1830 census provides information that 27 year old John M. Happoldt was an established gunmaker working at 45 State Street in Charleston S.C.. He was one of the leading gunmakers of the area until about 1865 producing exceptional rifles and pistols as well as importing them and stamping them with his retailer mark. The 1850 census provides information that he had three of his sons living with him at the time who were all gunsmiths. Happoldt is also listed in Robert Gardner's Small Arms Makers, as a maker of Derringer and dueling pistols, percussion rifles, and shotguns, working in Charleston in 1853, at the corner of Meeting and Cumberland Streets. Happoldt died at age 81 in 1884.

Provenance: Private South Carolina Collection

nicely finished wood with handling marks including small dings and scratches, small chip to left side at muzzle, very small 2 in. hairline to right side of stock near barrel pin, metal parts with dark brown patina, barrel with light pitting at rear, some surface oxidation and light rust, oxidation in bore, hammer screw is absent, hammer and trigger function