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.

Exceptionally 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.

As described in "A".

Exceptionally 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!