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, showing a lovely patina of age from use in service. There is past oxidation on the metal components, now removed, and we can see some repairs to the wooden stock. The ramrod and swivel link are still present, making this a very nice complete example.

The lock plate on this example is marked U.S. / H. ASTON in front of the hammer, and MIDDTN / CONN / 1846 on the tail of the lock plate. The barrel tang marking is no longer legible due to powder burn, but and the top of the barrel is still faintly proof marked with the inspector's initials: GWH / P, the marking of George W. Hartwell, who worked 1845-1855.

It has a very nice wood stock of American Black Walnut and has Brass mounts all in good lightly used condition, which show a lovely "mustard" patina. We can see the "ghosts" of two inspection cartocuhes on the left side, however we are unfortunately no longer able to read them. There is a crack on the left side by the butt cap, and there is also a repaired split to the stock in front of the trigger guard, which looks to have been repaired with three screws or nails.

The lock is functional and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, though the action is a bit slow. The cap nipple cone bolster shows moderate powder burn, and the cap nipple cone is also in great shape, showing light overall wear. We checked the bore, and it is clear, showing signs of use and past removed fouling and oxidation. It now measures about 0.55" close to the muzzle. This Model was widely used in the U.S./Mexican War and then in the U.S. Civil War.

A very nice example of a historic gun in nice honest service used condition. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1846
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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.