Original Item: Only One Available. This U.S.-made single-shot, smoothbore pistol is a nice service 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 by Cavalry, and has a .54" caliber 8 1/2" barrel, with a swivel steel "captured" ramrod for easier loading while on horseback. The pistol is 14 inches long in total, and still has some of the markings, while others are worn from use and cleaning. The lock plate markings are still fully legible, however the stock and barrel markings are definitely worn. Overall the pistol shows an aged patina from oxidation and subsequent cleaning over a long period of time. This pistol is in very good condition, with no signs of major repairs, just honest use and wear from service. The ramrod and swivel link are still present, making this a very nice complete example.

The lock plate on this example is marked U.S. / H. ASTON in front of the hammer, and MIDDTN / CONN / 1846 on the tail of the lock plate, with the markings showing a bit of war from cleaning. The proofs on the barrel are unfortunately quite worn, with the date completely gone. We believe we can see remnants of a faint JCB marking on the barrel, with a partial STEEL marking on the left barrel facet. There are two inspectors associated with Model 1842 pistols that used the JCB abbreviation: Lt. John C. Beaumont, USN and Joseph C. Bragg, though neither are specifically mentioned as inspectors of Aston pistols, so the barrel may have been swapped at arsenal long ago. Definitely some nice research potential here!

The pistol has a very nice condition walnut stock with Brass mounts, which does show several cracks on the grip area, as well as some near the lower lock screw / side plate, both very common places to see these. The stock looks to have been cleaned and refinished at some point, which has unfortunately made the original inspection cartouches very faint. We cannot read the one closer to the lock screws ,however the lower one 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.

The lock is functional and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, and the captured cleaning rod is fully functional as well, though it does not go all the way in. The cap nipple cone is still intact, but definitely worn. This Model was widely used in the U.S./Mexican War and then in the U.S. Civil War.

A very nice example of a historic gun in lovely honest used condition! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1849
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.