{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-m-1842-percussion-cavalry-pistol-by-h-aston-co-dated-1862","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 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 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 retains almost all of the original markings, though they are a bit faded. Overall the pistol 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock plate on this example is in very good condition with mostly clear markings. The \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ H. ASTON\u003c\/strong\u003e in front of the hammer is clear, and the \u003cstrong\u003eMIDDTN \/ CONN \/ 1852\u003c\/strong\u003e on the tail of the lock plate is just as clear. We can also see the \u003cstrong\u003e1852\u003c\/strong\u003e date on the tang of the barrel, which is also  proof marked on the side with inspector's initials: \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ SM \/ P\u003c\/strong\u003e, for inspector Stillman Moore, who is specifically noted for inspecting \u003cem\u003eAston Pistols 1846-1852\u003c\/em\u003e. Definitely some nice research potential here!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a gorgeous condition walnut stock with Brass mounts, showing some minor scuffs and nicks, but no issues overall. There are two faint stock cartouches on the left side, however we can unfortunately no longer read them. The stock also has some great \"curl\" to the grain on the left side, which really \"pops\" in the light.\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. The percussion cap nipple looks to be original, and shows wear and oxidation commensurate with service. 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 fantastic honestly used condition! Ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1852\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .54 inches\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Lead Ball \u0026amp; Powder with Percussion Cap\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 8 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 14 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Percussion Lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle-Loaded\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42012154232901,"sku":"ONJR24FMA109","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24FMA109__01.jpg?v=1726875044","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-m-1842-percussion-cavalry-pistol-by-h-aston-co-dated-1862","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}