This Model 1842 percussion pistol was manufactured under U.S. Government contract by Henry Aston of Middletown, Connecticut, in 1851. The pistol has the distinctive swivel ramrod with button head and brass barrel band with integral side plate. The barrel, lock hammer and ramrod are iron finished "National Armory Bright' and the barrel band/side plate, trigger guard and back strap/buttcap are brass. The stock is oil-finished black walnut. The lock plate is stamped: "MIDDTN/CONN./1851" in three vertical lines behind the hammer and "U.S./H. ASTON&CO." in two horizontal lines in front of it. The barrel tang is dated "1851". The left side of the barrel is stamped with "US/WN/P" inspection and proof marks perpendicular to the bore. The left barrel flat is stamped with the Ordnance sub-inspector's initials "JH". Single letter Ordnance inspection marks are stamped on most components. The left stock flat is stamped with the script initials of the Ordnance Sub-Inspector "JH" and the ordnance Final Inspector "WAT" in oval cartouches. The Model 1842 percussion pistol was a primary cavalry handgun that remained in limited service during the first year of the Civil War.

Fine. The barrel, lock, hammer and ramrod are bright with some scattered spots of age discoloration. There is some minor flash pitting on nipple bolster and adjacent portions of the barrel. The untouched brass furniture has a very attractive patina. The stock is fine with scattered, minor handling and storage marks. The lock and barrel markings are clear. The Ordnance inspection marks on the left stock flat are excellent. This is a fine, original, example of an important primary U.S. martial pistol.