Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Model 1842 single shot percussion cavalry pistol manufactured by Henry Aston & Co. of Middletown, Connecticut. It has an 1847 dated lock and an 1846 dated barrel, together with its original style swivel mounted captured ramrod. The pistol displays an appealing service used appearance with honest wear, light oxidation, and evidence of past cleaning.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. It is sold as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or evaluated by a professional gunsmith. The mechanical observations below describe only its present condition and do not establish that it is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Henry Aston & Co. manufactured approximately 30,000 Model 1842 percussion pistols under two United States government contracts between 1845 and 1852. Ira Johnson, who had previously been associated with Aston’s firm, also produced Model 1842 pistols. Aside from their manufacturer markings, examples produced by the two contractors followed the same general government pattern.

Intended principally for mounted troops, the Model 1842 is a single shot, smoothbore percussion pistol chambered in .54 caliber. It has an 8 1/2" barrel and measures approximately 14" overall. The swivel mounted captured ramrod was designed to remain attached to the pistol, reducing the risk of loss while loading on horseback.

The lock plate is marked ahead of the hammer:

U.S.
H. ASTON

The tail of the lock plate is marked:

MIDDTN
CONN
1847

The markings remain relatively crisp and identify Henry Aston & Co. of Middletown, Connecticut, with an 1847 lock date.

The barrel tang is clearly dated:

1846

The left side of the barrel bears somewhat faint inspection and proof markings:

U.S. / JCB / P

The usual "STEEL" marking is no longer visible. The initials JCB have been associated with more than one period inspector, including John C. Beaumont and Joseph C. Bragg. However, we were unable to confirm which inspector applied this marking or whether either individual is documented specifically with this Aston contract.

The difference between the 1846 barrel date and 1847 lock date may indicate that available components from different production periods were assembled together, or that the barrel was replaced during the pistol’s service life or at a later date. Vise marks and discoloration are visible near the breech, suggesting that the breech plug may have been removed at some point. The exact history of this work cannot be determined.

The walnut stock remains in very good overall condition and shows no major breaks or repairs. A small crack is present near the rear lock screw and extends toward the breech, a commonly encountered stress area on pistols of this pattern.

Two very faint inspection cartouches remain visible on the left side of the stock below the lock screws. One is oriented horizontally and the other vertically, but neither can be read reliably.

The pistol retains its brass furniture, which shows light wear and remains relatively bright from past cleaning. The metal surfaces have a lightly aged gray and brown patina with areas of oxidation and evidence of subsequent cleaning.

The percussion lock remains mechanically functional. The hammer holds at half cock and releases from full cock when the trigger is pulled. This is only a description of the present mechanical action and is not a statement that the pistol is safe to fire.

The captured ramrod and its swivel link remain present and functional, making the pistol a notably complete example. The percussion cone, or nipple, is intact but shows considerable wear.

The Model 1842 pistol was issued before the American Civil War and saw extensive service during the Mexican-American War. Surviving examples also remained in inventories and continued in use into the Civil War era, although no individual service history accompanies this pistol.

With its clearly marked H. Aston lock, visible 1846 and 1847 dates, complete captured ramrod assembly, readable government markings, and attractive service used condition, this is a strong example of an important U.S. martial percussion pistol. The differing barrel and lock dates, uncertain JCB inspector attribution, possible barrel replacement, evidence of breech work, small stock crack, worn nipple, faint cartouches, oxidation, and past cleaning are fully disclosed. It would make an excellent addition to a U.S. martial arms, Mexican-American War, Civil War era cavalry, percussion pistol, or Henry Aston collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1846 and 1847
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

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.