Henry Aston manufactured approximately 6000 1842 pistols for the U.S. Ordnance Department. They have a strikingly similar design to the French cavalry pistols of that era. The Model 1842 Percussion Pistol was the last single shot percussion handgun to see service with the U.S. Army. Model 1842 Pistols saw extensive use during the Mexican War and were still in limited service at the start of the Civil War. The Model 1842 Percussion Pistol was a well-designed, robust weapon that represented the final development of the single shot “horse pistol”. This is an excellent original U.S. Model 1842 Percussion Pistol made by Henry Aston of Middtn, Connecticut in 1847. The pistol is 14 ½” overall length with an 8 ½” round steel barrel. The smooth bore is near mint clean and bright. The original Walnut woodwork is a nice deep brown and has no damage. The metal work has even patina. The pistol has correct regulation brass fittings including the correct heavy brass butt cap on the brass frame that could be used as a cudgel during combat and original captive iron ram rod. The barrel has ‘GWH’ factory inspector’s mark and the barrel tang is dated ‘1847’. The barrel has a brass blade fore sight. The action plate has “U.S (army) H.ASTON” and “MIDDTN CONN 1847” behind the hammer (all illustrated). The action functions crisply. The price for this excellent Mexican War / Civil War era pistol includes UK delivery. NB As an antique percussion pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a display or collection. Sn 23134
£1,275.00