April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
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/SM/P" and has a small brass half moon front sight and no rear sight, tang dated 1848. Flat percussion lockplate with beveled edges and rounded hammer, lockplate stamped in the center "US/H. ASTON" and vertically on tail "MIDDTN/CONN/1848". Standard brass Model 1842 furniture, including brass backstrap and barrel band with extension and integral sideplate, many parts stamped with small "P" inspector's marks. Steel swivel type ramrod with button plunger and opposite end shaped for cleaning. Plain varnished walnut half-stock stamped on left side with inspector cartouches "NWP" for Nahum W. Patch and "WAT" for William A. Thornton. CONDITION: Very good to excellent condition, all steel components retain a light grey patina, and have a few scattered light marks from use and minor freckling near breech and on bolster, markings excellent. Brass furniture retains a mellow mustard patina. Stock very good with only a couple light storage marks.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore