{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-m-1842-percussion-cavalry-pistol-by-h-aston-co-dated-1860","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 a lovely service used 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 swivel steel \"captured\" ramrod for easier loading while on horse back. The pistol is 14 inches long in total, and still has a some of the markings, though they are worn. This is especially true on the lock plate, which is well worn. Overall the pistol now shows a lovely aged patina on the metalwork from oxidation and subsequent cleaning. 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock plate on this example has suffered oxidation and wear from cleaning over the years, which has made the markings \u003cstrong\u003eVERY\u003c\/strong\u003e faint, many only visible in reflection with a magnifying glass. The \"U.S. \/ H. ASTON\" in front of the hammer is all but obliterated, however the \u003cstrong\u003eMIDDTN \/ CONN \/ 1852\u003c\/strong\u003e on the tail of the lock plate is still mostly legible (the \"2\" is very faint). This is enough to verify that it is definitely an Aston pistol. The barrel is proof marked on the side with inspector's initials: \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ W.N \/ P\u003c\/strong\u003e, for inspector Walter North, who is specifically noted for inspecting \u003cem\u003eAston Pistols and Colt M1851 .36 Revolvers 1831-1852\u003c\/em\u003e. Definitely some nice research potential here!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a very good condition walnut stock with Brass mounts, showing some past wood filler repairs around the rear of the lock plate and along the wood line on either side to the rear of the barrel band. It looks like the stock may have had a crack running from the front tip of the trigger guard, through the upper lock screw, and ending at the barrel, which has been repaired. There is also a crack on both sides of the top of the grip, and the end of the trigger guard next to the butt cap is missing, so this pistol has definitely seen some things. There are two faint stock cartouches on the left side, however we can unfortunately no longer read them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock is functional and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, and the captured cleaning rod is fully functional as well. 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 nice example of a historic gun in nice honestly used condition! 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":41886219796549,"sku":"ONSV21SOS90","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV21SOS90__01.jpg?v=1722453025","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-m-1842-percussion-cavalry-pistol-by-h-aston-co-dated-1860","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}