Original Item: Only One Available. This is an especially attractive and lightly used U.S. Model 1842 .54 caliber percussion cavalry pistol manufactured by H. Aston & Co. of Middletown, Connecticut and dated 1851. The pistol is particularly desirable for its unusually crisp military markings, matching 1851 lock and barrel tang dates, two clearly visible inspector cartouches on the stock, original captured swivel ramrod, handsome walnut stock, and strong overall condition. It is accompanied by a well made contemporary wooden display case fitted specifically for the pistol, together with six lead balls and brass cavalry insignia.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Model 1842 was the first standard U.S. military pistol designed from the outset for percussion ignition. Intended principally for mounted troops, it retained the large single shot horse pistol form of the preceding Model 1836 but replaced flint ignition with the more reliable percussion system. The pistol was normally carried by mounted soldiers in pommel holsters and incorporated a captured swivel ramrod so that the loading rod could not easily be lost while in the saddle.

Henry Aston of Middletown became the principal private contractor for the Model 1842. Approximately 24,000 pistols were produced under the earlier H. ASTON marking, followed by approximately 6,000 more after the firm's 1851 reorganization under the H. ASTON & CO. name. This 1851 dated example therefore belongs to the relatively smaller H. Aston & Co. portion of Model 1842 production.

The pistol measures approximately 14" overall and is fitted with the regulation 8 1/2" smoothbore barrel in .54 caliber. Beneath the barrel is the original steel captured swivel ramrod with its connecting link still present and functional.

The lock plate is exceptionally well marked in front of the hammer:

U S
H. ASTON & CO.

The tail is marked:

MIDDTN
CONN
1851

These markings remain notably crisp, considerably stronger than those seen on many surviving Aston pistols.

The barrel tang is likewise clearly dated:

1851

giving matching production dates on the lock and barrel assembly.

The left side of the barrel carries the government inspection and proof markings:

U S
J.H
P

The initials are somewhat unevenly struck but remain readily visible. Several inspectors with similar initials were active around this period, so we have preserved the marking exactly as observed rather than assigning it conclusively to a particular individual.

The walnut stock is especially desirable for retaining two clearly legible original inspection cartouches on the left side.

The first is an oval script:

WAT

for Captain William Anderson Thornton, a prominent U.S. Ordnance officer whose inspection work included Aston Model 1842 pistols and other important U.S. martial arms during 1841 to 1861 period. This specifically included pistols from Aston, Waters, and Johnson.

Closer to the side plate is a second oval cartouche:

GW

This marking is associated in inspector references with George Wright, who inspected Aston Model 1842 pistols during the 1850-1852 period. The timing corresponds very well with this pistol's 1851 manufacture.

The survival of both cartouches in readable condition, together with the exceptionally crisp lock and barrel markings, is one of the strongest features of this example.

The pistol retains its original brass military furniture, which has developed a pleasing lightly oxidized golden patina. The steel barrel and lock display an attractive polished gray surface with only minor evidence of powder residue related corrosion around the percussion bolster and nipple area.

The percussion nipple appears to be an old, likely original component and shows the expected powder erosion from firing.

The walnut stock is in very good condition and retains a large amount of its original looking surface and color. It shows only the expected small dents, dings, and storage marks from age and use. We do not see major cracks, significant structural repairs, or evidence of arsenal rebuilding.

The lock remains mechanically functional during manual inspection, holding correctly at half cock and releasing from full cock. The captured swivel ramrod also operates properly. These observations describe only the pistol's present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

The Model 1842 pistol was an important U.S. mounted service arm of the Mexican War period and remained in military inventories into the Civil War era. Because this individual pistol is dated 1851, it was manufactured after the Mexican-American War and therefore cannot have participated in that conflict, although pistols of the same model certainly did. Arms of this type remained available for service during the unsettled years leading into the Civil War and beyond.

This example is accompanied by a contemporary wooden display case measuring approximately 16" x 7 3/4" x 3". The lid bears a brass plaque reading:

1841 / 54 CAL.
U.S. MILITARY PERCUSSION PISTOL
H. ASTON & CO MIDDTN CONN.
CONTRACT MODEL 1842

The interior is lined in red felt and fitted specifically for the pistol. Also included are six lead pistol balls and brass cavalry insignia. The case is a later display presentation rather than an original 1851 military issue case, but it provides an exceptionally attractive way to exhibit the pistol and its accessories. Small locking tabs at the front secure the lid.

With its crisp H. ASTON & CO. markings, matching 1851 dates, desirable WAT and GW stock cartouches, original captured ramrod, strong walnut stock, lightly used appearance, and custom fitted display case, this is a particularly appealing Model 1842 horse pistol. The comparatively limited H. Aston & Co. production and unusually strong surviving inspection marks make it especially suitable for an advanced U.S. martial pistol collection, a mounted arms display, or a collection focused on American military firearms of the Mexican War and Civil War periods.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1851
Maker: H. Aston & Co.
Model: 1842 Cavalry Pistol
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
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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 all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the 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.