Original Item: Only One Available. This was the first percussion pistol ordered by the U.S. Government and was intended for the U.S. NAVY. 2,000 pieces were ordered from N.P. AMES of Springfield, Massachusetts as the Model of 1842, which were all delivered up until 1847. Each had a .54" smooth bore barrel of almost 6" and measured almost 12 1/2" in overall length. The locks were fitted with an "internal" hammer on the interior of the lock plate, possibly to prevent damage from exposure to the sea air.

This is a very nice example of the M1842 Percussion pistol, which shows wear consistent with moderate service. There is some past oxidation and peppering on the metalwork, which was then cleaned away. This has unfortunately made the markings on the lock plate quite faint, however with a magnifier we were able to see enough to definitely identify the maker:

The lock plate on this example is also faintly stamped across the tail with U.S.N. over the manufacture date of 1845. There is past oxidation and powder burn on the breech area of the barrel, so the markings are only partial, however we can still make out a clear inspection cartouche:

[U.S.N.]
18??
R P
P

"R.P." is the marking for civilian inspector Richard Payne, who inspected "USN Ames Pistols and Jenks Carbines By Ames and Remington, Ames Bullet Moulds, M1842 Deringer Pistol 1843-1848". We have had previous examples of Ames pistols with the exact same inspector marking.

The trigger guard, butt cap, and single barrel band are ball made of brass, which would not rust from sea exposure. They all show a lovely "mustard" patina, with no major damage or oxidation noted. The pistol is fitted with a "trapped" swivel ramrod that the sailor could not lose easily, which is intact, but will not pull out. Most likely the "spoon" inside is stuck due to rust and age. The lock functions correctly as well, holding at half cock and only firing at full, and the cap nipple cone is still in fairly good condition.

The stock is in good condition, with nice grain and a lovely dark red brown color, and the brass butt plate is still present. There is however a crack running back from the lock screw, which has also had a metal washer fitted under it, which may have split the wood. There is also some damage around where the trapped ramrod enters the stock under the barrel band. This is definitely a pistol that looks to have seen a good amount of service.

A very nice Pre Civil War era naval percussion pistol with a lovely service used patina. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1845
Caliber: .54 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Percussion Lock with "internal" hammer
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.