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Item:
ON12460

Original U.S. Civil War Era M-1842 Percussion Cavalry Pistol by H. Aston & Co. - dated 1851 & 1852

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This U.S.-made single-shot, smoothbore pistol is an excellent 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 minimal powder burn. This pistol is in great shape, with lots of markings on the barrel AND stock. The ramrod and swivel link are still present, with the only real issue being that the head of the hammer screw sheared off at some point, easily replaced.

The lock plate on this example is marked U.S. / H. ASTON in front of the hammer, and MIDDTN / CONN / 1852 on the tail of the lock plate. The barrel tang is dated 1851, made in the previous year, and the top of the barrel is proof marked with several inspector's initials: M.S. / U.S. / G W P, with a J H on the side of the barrel. "MS" is unidentified, while "GW" is for George Wright, who specifically inspected Aston Pistols 1850-1852. JH could be one of several different inspectors working at the time.

It has an excellent condition wood stock of partly curly Walnut and Brass mounts all in good lightly used condition. The original inspection cartouches on the left side are even still fully visible! It is marked with a stylized WN inside an oval, for Walter North, who specifically inspected Aston Pistols 1831-1852. Below this is another marking, WAT in an oval, 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. This Model was widely used in the U.S./Mexican War and then in the U.S. Civil War.

A very good example of a historic gun with tons of original markings. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1852
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.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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