Description:

U.S Model 1842 percussion pistol, 8 ½" barrel, 14 ¼" overall, marked "U.S. H. Aston" on the lockplate, indicating contractor Henry Aston. Behind the cock, the plate is marked with the place of manufacture, "Middtn [Middletown] Conn[ecticut]", and dated "1847". The barrel is smoothbore, .54-caliber and features an underslung ramrod secured by a hinged collar. The stock is of oil-finished black walnut, and the pistol features a distinctive combination brass barrel band and sideplate. The trigger guard, backstrap and butt cap are all also brass. Two faint and illegible cartouches are visible behind the sideplate. The date "1847" also appears on the top of the barrel tang, while the inspection mark "US" over "TH" [the inspector's initials] over "P" appears at the rear of the barrel. The barrel and cock show extensive pitting, extending beneath the stock, with some active oxidation beneath the wood line. The brass blade front sight has been ground flush with thew barrel and replaced with a bead of solder. The brass barrel band and sideplate show period repairs, which have left the fore and rear of the plate as separate pieces, whereas the entire assembly would have been originally produced as a single piece. The rear sideplate screw is a later replacement, as likely is the ramrod, which is too small for its collar and is not captive at the rear. The butt cap shows many gouges, but no deformation, while the stock shows cracks before the rear sideplate screw, and on the grip just above the butt cap, with some chips to the ramrod hole. The bore is dark but appears to be free of serious pitting. The action cocks and fires in good order. The Model 1842 Pistol was the first percussion arm to be officially adopted by the U.S. Army, at the behest of the Dragoon corps. It saw use through the Mexican-American War, with limited use during the Civil War and beyond, especially in Native American hands.

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November 14, 2018 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000