Model 1842 Percussion Pistol manufactured by Ira N. Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut, between 1853 and 1855. The pistol has a bright finished barrel, tang, swivel ramrod, lock plate and hammer. The barrel band/side plate, backstrap/butt and trigger guard are brass. The stock is well-figured black walnut with an oil-finish. The pistol has a brass front sight and swivel ramrod with button head. The barrel tang lacks the oval-shaped rear sight found on most Model 1842 pistols. The lock plate is stamped: "MIDDTN/CONN/1856" in three vertical lines behind the hammer and "US /I.N.JOHNSON" in two horizontal lines ahead of it. The barrel tang is dated "1850". The left side of the barrel is stamped with the property, inspection and proofmarks "US/GW/P" perpendicular to the axis of the bore.

The pistol is in excellent condition. The barrel, lock hammer and other iron components have what appears to be the original, 'National Armory Bright' finish. Wear is limited to some minor discoloration on the right side of the barrel below the front sight and some scuff marks on the lock plate behind the hammer. The brass components have not been polished and have an attractive age patina. The stock is in excellent condition. With sharp edges and raised feathered oil finished burl, grain walnut. The stock has no visible markings and has never been stamped with the usual inspection marks on the left flat. It is an excellent example of a U.S. Johnson Contract Model 1842 Percussion pistol that most likely was made for presentation.