Original Item: Only One Available. This U.S.-made single-shot, smoothbore pistol is a great lightly used example of the Model 1842 percussion pistol, produced by Henry Aston & Co. of Middletown, Connecticut. Henry Aston manufactured approximately 30,000 Model 1842 Pistols under two government contracts between 1845 and 1852. The other main manufacturer of these pistols, Ira Johnson, had been a partner in Aston's firm, until he left to start his own company. Aside from the markings, the pistols from both firms were identical.

The Model 1842 was intended for use of Cavalry, and has a .54" caliber 8 1/2" barrel, with a with swivel steel "captured" ramrod for easier loading while on horse back. The pistol is 14 inches long in total, and is still well marked, with cartouches visible on both the barrel and left side of the stock. There is overall past peppering on the barrel, as well as powder burn around the cap nipple cone, so it did see a good amount of use. This pistol is in very good service used condition, with no signs of major repairs or arsenal reconditioning, just honest use and wear from service. Unfortunately at some point the ramrod and swivel link were both removed, possibly to install on another example, though they also could relatively easily be broken off.

The lock plate on this example is marked U.S. / H. ASTON in front of the hammer, and MIDDTN / CONN / 1847 on the tail of the lock plate, with the markings crisp. The barrel tang marking is no longer fully legible due to powder burn, showing only 184, but and the top of the barrel is proof marked with the inspector's initials, with the top line worn away: [U.S.] / NWP / P. This is the inspector marking for Nahum W. Patch, who is noted for inspecting "Ames & R. Johnson Pistols 1831-1849", among other martial firearms. His markings are not usually seen on Aston pistols, and 1849 was the last year he worked, making this a very interesting marking. Definitely some great research potential here!

It has a very good condition walnut stock with Brass mounts, all in lightly used condition with a lovely color and the original finish almost well retained. The stock does have a small crack running from the rear lock screw to the barrel, and another running back a bit, a very common place to see these. There are however no structural cracks, and this really is a very nice stock, with great grain, showing light to moderate wear from service. There are even TWO original inspection cartouches on the left side of the stock, fully legible. The first is a stylized "oval" W.A.T., indicating inspection by Captain William Anderson Thornton, who worked from 1841 to 1861, inspecting various small arms, specifically including pistols from Aston, Waters, and Johnson. Closer to the side plate there is also a "boxed" NWP for the same inspector as on the barrel. Really some great and interesting markings on this pistol!

The lock is functional and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, and the cap nipple cone is still in good shape, though it does show powder burn from use. This Model was widely used in the U.S./Mexican War and then in the U.S. Civil War.

A lovely example of a historic gun in nice honestly used condition with some great markings! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1847
Caliber: .54 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 8 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.