Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This was the first percussion pistol ordered by the U.S. Government and was intended for the U.S. NAVY. 2,000 pieces were ordered from N.P. AMES of Springfield, Massachusetts as the Model of 1842, which were all delivered up until 1847. Each had a .54" smooth bore barrel of almost 6" and measured almost 12 1/2" in overall length. The locks were fitted with an "internal" hammer on the interior of the lock plate, possibly to prevent damage from exposure to the sea air.
This is a very nice service used example of the M1842 Percussion pistol, which shows wear consistent with moderate service. The lock plate looks to have suffered some oxidation, and then was cleaned off, which has made the original markings faint. We can still however read most of the original maker marking in the center:
N.P. AMES
[SPRI]NGFIELD
MASS.
The lock plate on this example is stamped across the tail with U.S.N. over the faint manufacture date of 1845. The markings on the barrel breech are still mostly intact: R / 1843 / JCB / P. These are often worn away by powder burn or sea exposure, but these are still fully legible. "JCB" is the marking for inspector Lt. John C. Beaumont, USN, who inspected I.N. Johnson Pistols, Ames Pistols and Cutlasses.
The trigger guard and single barrel band are both made of brass, which would not rust from sea exposure. The pistol is fitted with a "trapped" swivel ramrod that the sailor could not lose easily, which is intact and fully functional. The lock functions correctly as well, holding at half cock and only releasing at full. The stock is in good condition, showing wear from service, and does show damage from cracks and past repairs. There are repairs under the lock plate, and a crack on the left side running from the breech down to the trigger.
A very nice Civil War era naval percussion pistol, now fully cleaned and ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1845
Caliber: .54 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Percussion Lock with "internal" hammer
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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This product is available for international shipping.
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