Original antique U. S. Model 1842 percussion pistol, marked H. ASTON on the lock plate. Consider that 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. Large caliber single shot pistols were powerful, and they were the choice of the U. S. Army for a few more years.
Stocked in walnut, trimmed in brass furniture with long backstrap for strength. The stock has some drying cracks on the side panel down into the sideplate, and many scattered dents dings and handling marks. 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 tapered round barrel is 8-1/2" in length in .54 caliber smoothbore . The .54 caliber barrel is smooth bored with a bore diameter of .546". The bore is dark and rough. The breech is stamped NWP over a P proof mark. This pistol has no rear sight, only a small brass front sight blade which is dovetailed in a shallow dovetail. 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 The ramrod can easily be withdrawn, swiveled to push the load down the barrel, and returned to the stock.
The lock is marked with U.S. over H. ASTON and a 1849 date across the tail. he half cock notch and full cock notches both engage securely. The nipple accepts musket caps, and this appears to be the original nipple. The wood along the lower edge of the lock panel was broken away long ago and has a well worn appearance.
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.