March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/2/2018
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, breech stamped "US / JH / P" ("JH" for inspector John Hawkins), dated 1847 on tang. Fitted with 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. Steel swivel type ramrod with button plunger and opposite end shaped for cleaning. Plain varnished walnut half-stock, deeply stamped with two inspector's cartouches. Stamped "NWP" for Nahum W. Patch and "W.A.J." for William A. Thornton. Excellent condition, all steel components retain a spotted light grey patina with some freckling and light marks from use. Markings very good and cartouches excellent. Brass furniture retains a dark patina. Stock very good with a light marks. This is a very good example, one of 24,000 made of this type, by Aston, with these markings.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore