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 traces of stamped "US/PC/P" 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" 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 "H" inspector's marks. Steel swivel type ramrod with button plunger and opposite end shaped for cleaning. Plain varnished walnut half-stock, worn inspector's cartouche. Good condition, all steel components retain a spotted light grey patina with some freckling and marks from use. Brass furniture has been polished. Stock very good with a few scattered marks and some edge wear. This is a good example, one of 24,000 made of this type, by Aston, with these markings. This item is from the collection of, described by, and authenticated by Herbert G. Ratner, Jr.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
H. Aston & Co.