This .54 caliber, smoothbore, flintlock pistol is one of approximately 18,000 Model 1836 pistols manufactured by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut between 1836 and 1844. The Model 1836 was widely considered to be the best designed and manufactured flintlock pistol. The pistol has an 8 1/2 inch round barrel with brass front sight blade, swivel ramrod with button head and iron mountings. The barrel, ramrod, butt cap, barrel band and trigger guard are "bright". The lock plate, hammer, and tang are casehardened. The trigger and lock screws are blued. The lock is marked " U.S. / MIDDNCONN / 1841". Inspection and proofmarks "U.S. / NW P / P" are stamped on the left rear of the barrel. The left stock flat is marked with a "NWR" and "MPL" cartouches in an oval. The Model 1836 Flintlock Pistol was the standard issue handgun of the Mexican War. Many of the pistols, such as this one, were subsequently converted to percussion and were extensively used in the Civil War.

Good. The metal surfaces have a gray patina with moderate flash pitting around the percussion nipple and some scattered minor pin prick type pitting. The lock holes where the frizzen spring was mounted have been left unfilled. The stock is very good with numerous scattered minor dings and dents and a hairline crack at the rear of lock plate (on the side). For some unknown reason the "R JOHNSON" is not visible on the lock, otherwise the markings are clear. The action is fine.