{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-m-1842-percussion-cavalry-pistol-by-h-aston-co-dated-1854","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Era M-1842 Percussion Cavalry Pistol by H. Aston \u0026 Co. - dated 1852","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 only light powder burn on the metalwork. This pistol is in great very good condition, though the stock does look to have been arsenal reconditioned, which has removed the stock inspection cartouches. The ramrod and swivel link are still present, making this a very nice complete example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock plate on this example is marked \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ H. ASTON \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e in front of the hammer, and \u003cstrong\u003eMIDDTN \/ CONN \/ 1852\u003c\/strong\u003e on the tail of the lock plate. The barrel is proof marked on the side with inspector's initials:\u003cstrong\u003e U.S. \/ J. P. C.\u003c\/strong\u003e, a known inspector of Aston percussion pistols. This abbreviation is often attributed to James P. Chapman, however they were a sword inspector at Ames, so unfortunately the name of the inspector on this pistol is unknown. There is also what looks to be a partial \u003cstrong\u003eE \/ L G \/ *\u003c\/strong\u003e in an oval stamp on the left facet, for the Belgian city of Liège, a firearms manufacturing powerhouse. It is possible that the barrel was imported by Aston for this pistol. Definitely some great research potential here!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a very nice condition walnut stock with Brass mounts, all in good lightly used condition with a lovely patina. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very good example of a historic gun with some very interesting barrel markings. Ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1852\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: .54 inches \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder with Percussion Cap\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBarrel Length: 8 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 14 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction: Percussion Lock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40253046882373,"sku":"ONJR22AJS56","price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR22AJS56__01.jpg?v=1660755819","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-m-1842-percussion-cavalry-pistol-by-h-aston-co-dated-1854","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}