Original Item: Only One Available. Adopted in 1836, the production of this model continued until 1844, and this flintlock pistol intended for Cavalry was widely used in the Mexican/American War. A total of almost 41,000 units were produced before being replaced by the M-1842 Percussion pistol. Many flintlock pistols were later converted to percussion, such as this example.

This example was made by Asa H. Waters of Milbury, Massachusetts, and is still clearly marked on the lock:-

The "2" is a bit misshapen, however we have checked other known 1842 dated examples from Waters, and this is just how they look. It could be that their die broke, and as they would need a new one the next year anyway, they simply kept using it. The pistol is in fantastic "rested" condition, showing no signs of being messed with, just the way we like to find them. Company Director Christian Cranmer calls items like these "sleepers", just waiting for someone to "wake it up", though in this case we feel that the fantastic patina of age it has is better than the European "Continental Clean". It looks like a gun that saw some use during the Civil war, and then was put away for a century or more.

It comes complete with its "trapped" swivel Ram Rod for easier use by mounted cavalry troops when reloading. This has the later pattern markings, and was probably one of the last Model 1836 pistols made, as it was made during the last years of production, and Waters does not appear to have produced many of the later Model 1842 Percussion pistols.

The pistol measures 14" overall, with a smooth bore barrel of 8 1/2" that shows only light powder burn. The barrel is proof marked on the side with inspector's initials, which are still mostly clear: 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 Waters pistols, making this a very interesting marking. Definitely some great research potential here!

Some years after production, probably in the early 1850s, it was converted to percussion, after which it looks to have seen only light use, most likely in the Civil War. There are still the remains of the brass pan attached to the lock plate, as is correct. The barrel is a "cone-in-barrel" or "Belgian" style conversion, with the cap nipple cone attached directly to the barrel.

The pistol is all steel mounted, the only brass components are the remnants of the brass powder pan and the brass fore sight. In very nice condition overall with a fantastic aged brown patina on the steel components, showing no signs of major oxidation, just light peppering. The lock functions, however the tumbler is worn, so it will fire on both full and half cock.

The stock is in very good condition, with the expected wear from service, including dents, dings, and scrapes. There are however no cracks or major damage that we can see, and it shows a fantastic dark red brown color with great grain in the light. It is finished with some type of varnish, which is very old and now showing some age spot. We assume this is the original arsenal finish, and the stock does not look to have been refurbished at any time. The left side below the lock screws is still marked just below the side plate with a faint stylized oval NWP, another marking for Nahum W. Patch. Below this behind the trigger it is marked vertically with a stylized oval WAT, 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.

A lovely percussion converted example of this pistol in great "well rested" condition, ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1842 - converted later
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

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.