Original Item: Only One Available. This U.S.-made single-shot, smoothbore pistol is an excellent 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 minimal powder burn. Unfortunately, the “swivel link” for the ramrod was removed at some point.
The lock plate on this example is marked U.S. / H. ASTON in front of the hammer, and MIDDTN / CONN / 1850 on the tail of the lock plate. The barrel tang marking is no longer legible due to cleaning, but and the top of the barrel is proof marked with the inspector’s initials: U.S. / JH / P, which could be one of several inspectors working at the time. It has a very nice wood stock of walnut, which has some repaired…
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