November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2017
The Model 1842 is the first percussion pistol adopted by the U.S. government. About 41,000 made by H. Aston, I.N. Johnson, and Palmetto Armory between 1846 and 1855. Round smoothbore steel barrel with small brass half moon front sight and no rear sight. Flat percussion lockplate with beveled edges and rounded hammer, lockplate stamped in the center "US/H. ASTON" and vertically on tail with traces of "MIDDTN/CONN/185-". Standard brass Model 1842 furniture, including brass backstrap and barrel band with extension to sideplate. Steel swivel type ramrod with button plunger and opposite end shaped for cleaning. Plain varnished walnut half-stock. Fair condition, all steel components retain a spotted and freckled grey patina with scattered darker areas. Brass furniture has been polished and has scattered marks, triggerguard bent slightly. Stock good, possibly replaced, bleached color with some scattered marks. This item is from the collection of, described by, and authenticated by Herbert G. Ratner, Jr.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
H. Aston & Co.