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 with traces of stamped "JH" and tang dated "1850", also 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 / 1850". 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, two partially legible inspector's cartouches. Good condition, barrel has been polished bright, lock retains an even brown patina. Brass furniture has been polished and now retains a mellow patina with scattered marks from use. Stock very good with a few scattered marks and some light edge wear. This is a good example, one of 24,000 made of this type, by Aston, with these markings.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore