Original Excellent U.S. Civil War Era M-1842 Percussion Cavalry Pistol by H. Aston & Co. with Figured Stock – dated 1848 & 1852 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This U.S.-made single-shot, smoothbore pistol is a fantastic lightly used example of the Model 1842 percussion pistol, produced by Henry Aston & Co. of Middletown, Connecticut. Henry Aston manufactured approximately 30,000 Model 1842 Pistols under two government contracts between 1845 and 1852. The other main manufacturer of these pistols, Ira Johnson, had been a partner in Aston’s firm, until he left to start his own company. Aside from the markings, the pistols from both firms were identical.

The Model 1842 was intended for use of Cavalry, and has a .54″ caliber 8 1/2″ barrel, with a with swivel steel “captured” ramrod for easier loading while on horse back. The pistol is 14 inches long in total, and is still well marked, with only light powder burn on the metalwork, and overall a shows an aged patina on the metalwork. This pistol is in excellent condition, one of the best that we have ever seen, and is really a looker! There are not signs of major repairs or arsenal reconditioning, just honest light use and wear from service. The ramrod and swivel link are still present, making this a great complete example.

The lock plate on this example is faintly marked U.S. / H. ASTON in front of the hammer, and MIDDTN / CONN / 1848 on the tail of the lock plate. The barrel tang is also dated 1852, indicating production several years later, which is not uncommon. Most likely a previously made lock was uncovered during a shop cleaning. The barrel is proof marked on the side with inspector’s initials: U.S. / W.N. / P, indicating inspection by Walter North, specifically noted for inspecting “Aston Pistols and Colt M1851 .36 Revolvers 1831-1852”. Definitely some great research potential here!

It has a fantastic walnut stock, with great grain some lovely figuring throughout the grip area and forward to just past the trigger guard, which is almost “burl” level. It features all brass mounts, all in good lightly used condition with a lovely patina. There is even a crisp and fully legible stylized “boxed” W.A.T. cartouche, indicating inspection by Captain William Anderson Thornton, who worked from 1841 to 1861, inspecting various small arms, specifically including pistols from Aston, Waters, and Johnson.

The lock is functional and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, and the captured cleaning rod is fully functional as well. The only issue is that tiny chip at the end of the hammer cup has broken off. This Model was widely used in the U.S./Mexican War and then in the U.S. Civil War. While it was made too late to be seen in the former, it definitely stands a good chance of having been used in the latter.

A great example of a historic gun in nice lightly used condition with some great markings and a fantastic figured stock! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1848 & 1851
Caliber: .54 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 8 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.