Manufactured by Henry Aston & Co. in 1851. This pistol has a 54 caliber, 8 1/2 inch smoothbore barrel with a swivel, button head ramrod. All metal parts finished bright except for the blued trigger and silver plated brass mountings. The lock plate is stamped "U.S. / H.ASTON & CO" in front of the hammer and "MIDDtn / CONN / 1851" vertically behind the hammer. The top of the barrel at the breech is marked "US / J.P.C. / P" and the left flat is marked "JH", with the date 1850 stamped on the upper tang. The left stock flat is marked with two inspector cartouches (JH and WAT). Single inspector initials are found on most of the components.

Very fine. The barrel and action have been polished back to arsenal bright during the period usage, showing some scattered pin point pitting. The upper tang/butt cap and barrel band/side plate retain 95% original tin plating and the trigger guard retains scattered traces of tin, with the exposed brass having an even aged patina. The stock is very fine with exception of a couple hairline cracks (near lock and side plate) and some minor handling marks. Cartouches are both excellent. Mechanically excellent.