November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
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 is stamped "WN" and has a 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 & CO." and vertically on tail "MIDDTN/CONN/1851". Standard brass Model 1842 furniture, including brass backstrap and barrel band with extension to sideplate, many parts stamped with small inspector's marks. Steel swivel type ramrod with button plunger and opposite end shaped for cleaning. Plain varnished walnut half-stock, inscribed with initials "EDM". Good condition, all steel components retain an even dark brown patina, with some scattered marks and freckling on tang and around breech. Brass furniture retains a mellow patina with some scattered marks. Stock good with some edge wear and scattered marks. Crack between bottom of lock and triggerguard and from back of sideplate to triggerguard. This is a great example, one of only 6,000 made of this type by Aston with these markings.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Percussion