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 "US/SK/P/STEEL" and has a small brass half moon front sight and no rear sight, tang dated "1853". Flat percussion lockplate with beveled edges and rounded hammer, lockplate stamped in the center "US/I.N. JOHNSON." and vertically on tail "MIDDTN/CONN/1853". Standard brass Model 1842 furniture, including brass backstrap and barrel band with extension to sideplate, many parts stamped with small "K" inspector's marks. 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, "SK" for Samuel Knous and "WAT" for William A. Thornton. Stock stamped "OHIO" above lock tang, it was probably purchased by the state for militia use. Very good condition, all steel components have been cleaned and retain a spotted light grey patina and have a few scattered light marks and areas of freckling. Brass furniture retains a mellow patina. Stock very good with a few light marks. This is a great example, one of 10,000 made by Johnson between 1853 and 1855.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Percussion