This attractive, excellent example of a U.S. Navy Model 1842 percussion pistol was manufactured by N.P. Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1843. The Navy purchased 3200 Model 1842 pistols from N.P. Ames and Henry Deringer between 1842 and 1847. The Model 1842 Navy Pistol was the last percussion pistol manufactured under government contract. The pistol has a distinctive box lock action, swivel ramrod with button head and brass barrel band, trigger guard and buttcap. The barrel is browned and the lock and hammer have a color casehardened finish. The stock is black walnut with an oil finish. The lock plate is stamped "U.S.N./1843" in two lines at the rear and "N.P. AMES/SPRINGFIELD/MASS" in three horizontal lines below the hammer. The top of the barrel is stamped: "USN/1844/RP/P" in four lines perpendicular to the bore. The left stock flat is stamped with the initials "JPC" below the side plate screw and an oval inspection mark with the script initials "JL" is stamped at the rear of the flat.

Excellent. The pistol may be unfired and shows only handling and storage wear. Nearly all of the original casehardened finish is present on the lock, hammer and trigger; the case colors are bright. The barrel and bolster retain about 60% of the original brown finish. There is no flash pitting on the percussion nipple and bolster. The brass furniture has not been polished and has a very attractive age patina. The stock is in excellent condition with sharp edges and only scattered and very minor storage marks. The markings on the lock and barrel are excellent. The inspection marks on the left stock flat are also excellent. This is an extraordinary original example of an Ames Model 1842 Navy Percussion Pistol that would be difficult to improve upon!