{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-m-1842-percussion-cavalry-pistol-by-h-aston-co-with-stock-cartouches-dated-1847","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Era M-1842 Percussion Cavalry Pistol by H. Aston \u0026 Co. with Stock Cartouches - dated 1847","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This U.S.-made single-shot, smoothbore pistol is a great lightly 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 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 cartouches visible on both the barrel and left side of the stock. There is overall past peppering on the barrel, as well as powder burn around the cap nipple cone, so it did see a good amount of use. This pistol is in very good service used condition, with no signs of major repairs or arsenal reconditioning, just honest use and wear from service. Unfortunately at some point the ramrod and swivel link were both removed, possibly to install on another example, though they also could relatively easily be broken off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe lock plate on this example is marked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eU.S. \/ H. ASTON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e in front of the hammer, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eMIDDTN \/ CONN \/ 1847\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e on the tail of the lock plate, with the markings crisp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe barrel tang marking is no longer fully legible due to powder burn, showing only \u003cstrong\u003e184\u003c\/strong\u003e, but and the top of the barrel is proof marked with the inspector's initials, with the top line worn away\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e: \u003cem\u003e[U.S.]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \/ NWP \/ P\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e. This is the inspector marking for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eNahum W. Patch\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e, who is noted for inspecting \"Ames \u0026amp; R. Johnson Pistols 1831-1849\", among other martial firearms. His markings are not usually seen on Aston pistols, and 1849 was the last year he worked, making this a very interesting marking. Definitely some great research potential here!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a very good condition walnut stock with Brass mounts, all in lightly used condition with a lovely color and the original finish almost well retained. The stock does have a small crack running from the rear lock screw to the barrel, and another running back a bit, a very common place to see these. There are however no structural cracks, and this really is a very nice stock, with great grain, showing light to moderate wear from service. There are even \u003cstrong\u003eTWO\u003c\/strong\u003e original inspection cartouches on the left side of the stock, fully legible. The first is a stylized \"oval\" \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW.A.T.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, 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. Closer to the side plate there is also a \"boxed\" \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eNWP\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003efor the same inspector as on the barrel. Really some great and interesting markings on this pistol!\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock is functional and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, and the cap nipple cone is still in good shape, though it does show powder burn from use. 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 lovely example of a historic gun in nice honestly used condition with some great 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: 1847\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":45119157141573,"sku":"ONSV26GTGS013","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/52C569CC-4499-4E29-BF99-FB1687A6F48A.jpg?v=1780946332","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-m-1842-percussion-cavalry-pistol-by-h-aston-co-with-stock-cartouches-dated-1847","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}