This is an example of a U.S. contract Model 1842 percussion pistol that was manufactured by Henry Aston of Middletown, Connecticut. This pistol has a 54 caliber, 8 1/2 inch smoothbore barrel with a swivel, button head ramrod. The trigger guard, buttcap and barrel band/side plate are brass. The barrel, ramrod, lock plate, hammer and tang are bright. The trigger is blue. The lock plate is stamped "U.S./ H.ASTON &CO" in front of the hammer and "MIDDtn / CONN. / 1852" vertically behind the hammer. The top of the barrel is marked "SK / P", and the date stamped on the tang is unreadable. The left side plate is marked with a small "N" markings and the backstrap at the top is marked with an "H" . The left side stock flat is marked with two faint inspector cartouches.

Very good. The metal surfaces have been cleaned bright with scattered minor pitting. There are faint traces of the original case colors and some of the original casehardening pattern visible on the lock. The brass has been polished and for the most part remains bright. The stock has been freshened with a coat of oil and remains very good with a few scattered minor dings and dents. Except mentioned above, the markings are clear. The action is very good.