Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Model 1836 flintlock cavalry pistol manufactured by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut and dated 1837. It remains in its original unconverted flintlock configuration and retains its captured swivel ramrod, brass pan and front sight, all steel furniture, visible U.S. and maker markings, John Avis barrel inspection marks, and two surviving stock inspector cartouches.

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 1836 was adopted as a U.S. military flintlock pistol for mounted troops and remained in production into the 1840s before the percussion Model 1842 superseded it, with a total of almost 41,000 units were produced. Many Model 1836 pistols were subsequently converted to percussion during their service lives, making the survival of this example in its original flintlock configuration an important feature. Pistols of this pattern saw extensive military use during the period that included the Mexican-American War.

The lock plate is marked:

U.S.
R. JOHNSON
MIDDN CONN
1837

identifying manufacture by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut. There is some wear across the lock plate, leaving the left portions of the markings somewhat faint, though they remain visible under appropriate lighting.

The left side of the barrel breech is marked:

U.S.
JA
P

The JA marking is attributed to ordnance sub inspector John Avis, who inspected flintlock pistols produced by Johnson, Waters, and other government contractors during this period.

The left side of the stock retains two inspection cartouches. The oval cartouche nearest the lock screws is still visible, though its internal letters have worn away. A second, more rectangular boxed cartouche farther to the rear is likewise present, but its lettering is now too faint to identify with confidence.

The pistol measures approximately 14" overall and has an 8 1/2" smoothbore barrel. It retains the captured swivel ramrod designed to remain attached to the pistol during loading, a particularly practical arrangement for mounted troops. The ramrod remains present and complete.

The lock is mechanically functional in its present condition, holding correctly at half cock and releasing at full cock. The pistol is primarily steel mounted, with the brass pan and brass front sight providing the principal contrasting fittings. 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.

Overall condition is very good, with surviving original blue particularly evident on the lock plate and frizzen spring. The barrel and bright steel furniture have developed an attractive polished steel patina with scattered evidence of old light peppering. The surfaces show age and use but no indication in the supplied description of major restoration or refinishing.

The walnut stock is in very good condition with an attractive red brown color and an old waxed finish. It shows light service wear, including scattered handling marks, but no cracks or previous repairs were noted. The grain is particularly attractive and complements the well preserved metalwork.

With its original unconverted flintlock configuration, 1837 dated Robert Johnson lock, U.S. / JA / P barrel inspection marks, two surviving stock cartouches, captured swivel ramrod, functional lock, surviving blue, and well preserved walnut stock, this is a strong example of the U.S. Model 1836 cavalry pistol. The worn portions of the lock markings, faint cartouches, and scattered old peppering are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Model 1836, Robert Johnson, Mexican-American War era, early U.S. cavalry, or advanced American martial pistol collection.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1837
Maker: Robert Johnson
Model: 1836 Flintlock Cavalry Pistol
Caliber: .54" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 14 Inches
Barrel Length: 8 1/2 Inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
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.