An original antique U. S. Model 1842 percussion pistol, marked H. ASTON & CO. on the lock plate. This pistol is in original unaltered condition with clear cartouche marks and a bright bore. Large caliber single shot pistols were powerful, and they were the choice of the U. S. Army until this pistol was quickly made obsolete by the advent of the percussion revolver, which was a renowned success after the introduction of Colt's Model 1847 Walker revolver. This antique pistol weighs 2.7 pounds.

The tapered round barrel is 8-1/2" in length in .54 caliber smoothbore, and this example has a bore diameter of .550" at the muzzle. The bore is bright, with some light scattered pitting. The breech is stamped US over GW over a P inspection mark. This pistol has no rear sight, only a small brass front sight blade which is dovetailed in a shallow dovetail. The tang is stamped 1851 just behind the breech. The left side of the barrel is stamped with a small JH inspection mark. The polished bright barrel has mellowed to a dull gray with a few light areas of minor brown speckling. The captured steel ramrod, with swivel links, yoke, and mounting screw, are designed to prevent loss in the field. The ramrod can easily be withdrawn, swiveled to push the load down the barrel, and returned to the stock.

Stocked in walnut, trimmed in brass furniture with long backstrap for strength. The stock has a few minor handling marks, but no cracks or chips. The brass buttcap has a long strap that abutts the breech plug tang. The sideplate has a brass extension that joins the integral brass barrel band, making a very strong military service pistol. The side panel has two visible cartouche marks. The rear cartouche is WAT, the final acceptance mark of Captain William Anderson Thornton who was active from1840 until 1866. The second cartouche is WN of Walter North who was active from 1850-1859. The front of the brass triggerguard has a small H inspection mark.

The lock is marked with U.S. over H. ASTON & CO. and MIDDTN / CONN / 1851 in three lines across the tail. The half cock notch and full cock notches both engage securely with a strong mainspring. The nipple accepts musket caps, and this appears to be the original nipple.

This unaltered pistol is in overall excellent condition with clear cartouche marks. It will be a great addition to any military arms collection. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.