Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Model 1836 flintlock cavalry pistol manufactured by Asa H. Waters & Co. of Millbury, Massachusetts and dated 1844. It remains in its original unaltered flintlock configuration and retains its captured swivel ramrod, inspector marked barrel, all steel furniture, brass pan and front sight, and a strong functioning lock.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Model 1836 was adopted as a U.S. military flintlock pistol for mounted troops and remained in production into the 1840s before the percussion Model 1842 superseded it, with a total of almost 41,000 units were produced. Many Model 1836 pistols were subsequently converted to percussion during their service lives, making the survival of this example in its original flintlock configuration especially desirable from a historical standpoint. Pistols of this pattern saw extensive military use during the period that included the Mexican-American War.

The lock is clearly marked:

(Eagle Head)
A.H. WATERS & Co
MILBURY MASS.
1844

The pistol measures approximately 14" overall and has an 8 1/2" smoothbore barrel. The breech is marked:

U.S.
J H
P

with the J.H. marking attributed to inspector Joseph Hannis, who inspected Waters Pistols from 1838-1862.. Two faint inspection cartouches remain on the left side of the stock, though the interior initials are no longer legible.

The pistol retains its original captured swivel ramrod, a practical feature intended to keep the rod secured to the arm during mounted use. The furniture is steel throughout, while the pan and front sight are brass. The metal surfaces remain in good condition overall with an even gray oxidized patina and scattered peppering. Heavier powder related oxidation is present around the breech, consistent with long use and age.

The lock functions in its present condition, holding correctly at half cock and releasing at full cock. These observations describe only the pistol’s current mechanical state and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

The stock is in good condition overall and shows expected dents, dings, and handling wear. There is cracking near the lock plate as well as additional cracking on the left side above the side plate. No other major structural damage is noted from the supplied inspection.

With its 1844 dated A.H. Waters lock, original unaltered flintlock configuration, U.S. / J.H. / P barrel markings, captured swivel ramrod, all steel furniture, brass pan and front sight, and functioning lock, this is a strong example of a late production U.S. Model 1836 cavalry pistol. The stock cracking, faint inspection cartouches, breech oxidation, and general service wear are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Model 1836, Asa H. Waters, Mexican American War era, U.S. martial pistol, or advanced early American firearms collection.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1844
Maker: Asa H. Waters & Co.
Model: 1836 Flintlock Pistol
Caliber: .54" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 14 Inches
Barrel Length: 8 1/2 Inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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 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.