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 / 1850 on the tail of the lock plate. The barrel tang is also dated 1850, and the top of the barrel is proof marked with several inspector's initials: U.S. / J H / P, with another J H on the side of the barrel. JH could be one of several different inspectors working at the time.

It has a very nice condition walnut stock with Brass mounts, all in good lightly used condition. The original inspection cartouches on the left side are even still visible, though slightly faint. 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 bottom front of the stock also has been personalized, marked with what looks to be 1886 / LUSK / WYO.. "Lusk" is indeed a town in the state of Wyoming, which was not admitted into the union until 1890. It's very possible that this pistol went in with very early pioneers in the territory, making this piece an excellent research opportunity.

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 lot 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.