The U.S. Model 1836 Flintlock Pistol was manufactured by a few contractors including Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut. His company produced these for the U.S. military from 1836-1844 (this particular example was manufactured in 1841). The Model 1836 Pistol is significant as the last U.S. martial flintlock ignition pistol. Issued to the 1st and 2nd U.S. Dragoons and other mounted troops, the Model 1836 was the primary handgun of the Mexican War. Some authorities consider the Model 1836 Pistol to be the best designed, most attractive and best made U.S. flintlock handgun. The pistol has a brass blade front sight and an oval shaped rear sight. The rear top of the barrel is marked "U.S. / JH / P" with a small "H" on the left flat and the lock is marked " U.S. / R. JOHNSON / MIDDn CONN / 1841" ahead of the hammer. The barrel band has a strap extension that joins the side plate; an integral iron back strap extends from the butt cap to the tang. The ram rod is the attached swivel type with a button end. The trigger guard is rivet fastened to the trigger plate. All furniture is iron, finished "arsenal bright". The lock plate is beveled ahead of the hammer, rounded at the rear and fitted with a detachable fenced brass flash pan. The lock plate, hammer, frizzen, trigger, frizzen spring and barrel tang were casehardened. The stock is oil finished black walnut. The left stock flat is stamped with the crisp sub-inspector's and inspectors script initials in ovals.

Very good plus. The metal surfaces have a brownish gray mottled patina with a few minor dings on top of the barrel behind the barrel band. The stock is fine with a few scattered minor dents and dings, crisp clear cartouches and sharp edges on the flats. The markings are clear. The action is fine.