Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 267

Lot 267:H. Aston 1842 Pistols Attributed as Perry Expedition Gifts

May 17th, 2024|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 267

Lot 267:H. Aston 1842 Pistols Attributed as Perry Expedition Gifts

May 17th, 2024|Bedford, TX
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$5,500 - $9,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Rare Exceptional Pair of U.S. Contract H. Aston & Co. Model 1842 Percussion Pistols Attributed as Gifts to Japan from the Perry Expedition

A) H. Aston & Co. Model 1842 Pistol

The Model 1842 was the first standard U.S. martial pistol produced originally as a percussion weapon. These pistols were originally issued in pairs, and are very rarely seen still paired with their original counterpart today. They were not serialized, so confirming a matching pair can be difficult today. This excellent and rare pair was manufactured by Henry Aston & Co. and both feature two identical distinct oval script "WN" (Walter North) and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouches stamped on their left flats, matching "1851" dates on their locks and barrel tangs, and matching "US/WN/P" on top of the breech with "N" inspection initials on the left of the breech. Both pistols also have similar unique Japanese characters stamped on top of the barrel tangs, which support the inference that these are an original matching pair. The stamps are believed to have a connection to the Perry Expedition. This military expedition was in two separate voyages between 1852–1853 and 1854–1855, in which warships of the U.S. Navy were sent to Japan to the Tokugawa shogunate with goals of establishment of diplomatic relations, exploration, surveying and, most importantly, negotiation of trade agreements. Between visits with numerous American gifts demonstrating advances in technology and a threat of force, the Kanagawa Treaty was ultimately signed between the United States and the Tokugawa shogunate on March 31, 1854, effectively ending Japan's isolationism and opening ports for trade with American vessels. Chapter seven of "Black Ships & Samurai" by John W. Dower references the Perry Expedition, and page 7 has a list of a variety of American presents brought ashore in Japan on March 31, 1854, which includes "20 Army pistols in a box." This attractive 1851 dated pair of Japanese marked Model 1842 pistols would have been the standard pistol in use by the U.S. Army at the time of the Perry Expedition, and were likely set aside for presentation purposes, lending to their high state of condition.

ConditionExceptionally fine, showing attractive original armory bright iron surfaces with some patches of light surface freckling, untouched bright golden patina on the brass, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. A period added hole is visible in the rear of the pommel section, likely for hanging display purposes. Stock is also excellent with rich original oil finish and raised grains, a few light handling marks, distinct edges overall and exceptionally sharp cartouches. Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerAston H Pistols
Model1842
TypePistol
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge54
Barrel8 1/2 inch round
Finishbright
Stockwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views1403
Catalog page256

B) H. Aston & Co. Model 1842 Pistol

As described in "A".

ConditionExceptionally fine, showing attractive original armory bright iron surfaces with some patches of light surface freckling, untouched bright golden patina on the brass, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. A period added hole is visible in the rear of the pommel section, likely for hanging display purposes. Stock is also excellent with rich original oil finish and raised grains, a few light handling marks, distinct edges overall and exceptionally sharp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This excellent historical pair of U.S. Model 1842 pistols, with ties to the Perry Expedition, would be extremely difficult to improve upon and would make a fine addition to any early Americana or martial firearms collection!
Details
ManufacturerAston H Pistols
Model1842
TypePistol
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge54
Barrel8 1/2 inch round
Finishbright
Stockwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views1403
Catalog page256
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 3088C. Sharps & Co. Single Shot Percussion Pistol Rifle
View Lot
Lot 318Cased Pair of J. E. Evans Percussion Dueling pistols
View Lot
Lot 1229CSA Inscribed Civil War U.S. Springfield 1861 Rifle-Musket
View Lot
Lot 1107J.E. Evans Philadelphia Derringer Percussion Pistol
View Lot
Show More