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 were made by H. Aston, I.N. Johnson, and Palmetto Armory between 1846 and 1855. Round smoothbore steel barrel is stamped "US/JH/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/1847". Standard brass Model 1842 furniture, including brass backstrap and barrel band with extension to sideplate, many parts stamped with small "P" inspector's marks, as are also found on bolster, hammer and lockplate. Steel swivel type ramrod with button plunger and opposite end shaped for cleaning. Plain varnished walnut half-stock marked with two deep inspector's cartouches. Stamped "W.A.J." and "NWP". Excellent condition, showing little or no use, all steel components are bright with some minor freckling and light storage marks. All markings are excellent. Brass furniture retains a mellow patina. Stock excellent with a few light storage marks and sharp edges. This is a great example, one of 24,000 made of this type, by Aston, with these markings.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore