Rare North Carolina Marked US Model 1836 Pistol by Asa Waters (Reconversion to Flint)

NSN, .54 Caliber, 8 1/2" barrel with a fair, lightly pitted bore.  This is an 1838-dated pistol that has an overall pewter gray patina mixing with some darker spots of plum-brown at the muzzle of the barrel, and on the lockplate.  The barrel markings are still clear and crisp, including the large "N. CAROLINA" stamp along the top of the breech.  The touch hole has an elongated shape, with almost no pitting, and some faint tool markings as well.  The lock plate is marked "(Eagle Head) / A. WATERS / MILBURY MS. / 1838" beneath the brass pan, which has a dull yellow-ochre patina, and the cock is secured by a non-original screw.  The lock is tight and the mechanics are fully functional while the walnut stock has an excellent original oil finish with scattered small handling marks and surface blemishes scattered about the original military oil finish, with clear cartouche on the left side opposite the lock.  This is a desirable North Carolina-marked pistol, reconverted very skillfully to flint, and in very good-near fine condition.  Antique