US M1842 Aston Percussion Pistol Dated 1851 . CWG63

United States M1842 Aston Pistol Dated 1851. Stamped “US” and “H. ASTON & Co” on the lockplate, and also stamped and dated “MIDDtn/CONN/1851”. Black walnut stock in good condition. The lockplate, hammer, and barrel with a lot of heavy wear, pitting, graying, and spotting. The brass fittings are in decent condition. Mechanically sound with its half-cock intact. Overall, very worn condition that displays decently.

Additional Notes: The Model 1842 (M1842) was the U.S. Army’s first percussion pistol, the M1842 replaced the Model 1836 (M1836) flintlock, and it would subsequently blaze its way through the American Civil War and across the country as the nation expanded westward. The M1842 was almost identical to the M1836, with the obvious exception of its percussion nipple and lock. In addition, unlike the M1836, the M1842 used precisely gauged, interchangeable parts. But, like its predecessor, it was stocked in black walnut and featured a polished lockplate, hammer and barrel, and a blued trigger. Also, the M1842 had no rear sight, and its 8 1/2-inch smoothbore barrel sported a 0.525 inch bore that took a .54-cal. round ball. The M1842 incorporated brass furniture rather than the iron fittings of the M1836 but retained the hinged ramrod under the barrel.

From 1846 to 1851, Aston stamped “US” with “H. ASTON” below on the lockplate, which was also stamped “MIDDtn/CONN/” and the specific year the pistols were delivered to the Ordnance Dept. The left side of the stock was typically stamped “WAT” for chief inspector Capt. William A. Thornton, and “NWP’” for Nahum W. Patch, the civilian inspector. After the factory’s reorganization in 1851, they were stamped “H.ASTON & CO.” Aston’s partner, Ira N. Johnson, then took over and produced from 1853 until 1855.

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