The pistol matches others by Ezra Dodge (1766-1798) of New London, Connecticut, believed to have been manufactured around 1780-1790. Dodge was listed as a "brass founder, gunsmith, locksmith, grocer (and) an ingenious mechanic." See 6B-016.5 on page 341 of the 9th Edition of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values." These pistols may have been specifically designed for naval use given they are constructed with brass barrels, lock plates, and furniture which are more resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater, or Dodge may have been maximizing the use of brass due to his foundry. New London is a seaport, so sailors and captains would have been natural customers. The only iron parts are the barrel tang, lock components, trigger, screws, and pins. The only visible marking is a "DODGE" stamp with raised letters on the center of the lock near the bottom. The barrel is smoothbore and was made without sights.

Fine with attractive natural aged patina on the brass, dark patina and mild oxidation on the iron, and general minor wear such as light scratches and dings. The revarnished stock is also fine and has some minor scrapes and dings and thin cracks at the top of the wrist/back of the lock. Mechanically fine. These pistols are extremely rare.