This pistol is one a very limited number of pistols manufactured in the mid-1840s using an early version of the Maynard automatic tape primer system patented in 1845. Automatic priming systems were attractive as the U.S. military was moving fully to the percussion system from flintlock arms, but they ultimately proved less reliable than regular percussion caps and were phased out at the beginning of the Civil War. The only visible markings are "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1845" on the primer door and the standard U.S. inspection marks, including "JCB" (Joseph C. Bragg) and "WAT" (William Anderson Thornton) cartouches on the stock, but the pistol was originally manufactured by Asa Waters in 1839 and has original markings under the primer components.

Fine. The metal is mostly bright with some scattered small patches of mild pitting. The stock is very good and has some small dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent with crisp markings, including the cartouches. Very few of these pistols are found in museums, let alone private collections, and this example would be difficult to improve upon.