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 1844. It remains in its original unconverted flintlock configuration and retains its captured swivel ramrod, inspector markings, and two stock cartouches. As a late production example, it represents the final years of U.S. martial flintlock pistol manufacture before percussion arms became standard.

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.

Adopted in 1836, the production of this model continued until 1844, and this flintlock pistol intended for Cavalry was widely used in the Mexican/American War. A total of almost 41,000 units were produced before being replaced by the M-1842 Percussion pistol. Large numbers were later altered to percussion ignition, making surviving examples that retain their original flintlock configuration especially interesting to collectors of early U.S. martial arms. This is a very late production example, probably one of the last flintlocks to be produced before the factory switched to M-1842 production.

The lock plate is clearly marked:

U.S.
R. JOHNSON
MIDDN CONN
1844

identifying manufacture by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut. The 1844 date places this pistol at the end of Model 1836 production.

The left side of the barrel breech is marked:

U.S.
J H
P

with J H identifying inspector James Harris, who inspected R. Johnson and I.N. Johnson pistols from 1837-1851. There is an vertically oriented script oval cartouche on the left side of the stock behind the side plate:

JH

for the same inspector. A bit farther down above the trigger, the stock also carries a vertically oriented oval script :

WAT

cartouche attributed to Captain William Anderson Thornton, U.S. Army, who worked from 1841 to 1861, inspecting various small arms, specifically including pistols from Ames, R. Johnson, Aston, and Waters. Both markings are consistent with inspection of U.S. martial pistols of the period by Johnson.

The pistol measures approximately 14" overall and has an 8 1/2" smoothbore barrel. It retains the original captured swivel ramrod designed to remain attached to the pistol during loading, an especially useful feature for mounted troops.

The pistol is predominantly steel mounted, with the brass pan and brass front sight providing the principal exceptions. The lock presently functions correctly during manual inspection, holding at half cock and releasing from full cock. These observations describe only its present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the pistol is safe to load or fire.

The metalwork is in very good condition overall and shows evidence of past cleaning and polishing. Most surfaces now display a bright aged patina with scattered staining, light peppering, and small areas of oxidation consistent with long service and storage.

The walnut stock is also in very good condition and shows attractive red brown color with visible grain. It has been cleaned and polished in the past and retains light handling and service wear. A small crack is present near the lower lock screw, a common stress point on pistols of this pattern.

The stock cartouches remain mostly crisp and legible, and there is no obvious evidence of major stock repair or structural rebuilding.

With its 1844 dated Robert Johnson lock, original unconverted flintlock configuration, captured swivel ramrod, U.S. / J H / P barrel markings, WAT stock cartouche, and well preserved walnut stock, this is a strong late production example of the U.S. Model 1836 cavalry pistol. The past cleaning, scattered staining and peppering, and small crack near the lower lock screw are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Model 1836, Mexican-American War era, early U.S. martial pistol, Robert Johnson, or advanced Federal period firearms collection.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1844
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.