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 remaining parts are brass. The stock is oil-finished black walnut. The lock plate is stamped "MIDDTN / faint CONN. / 1851" behind the hammer and "U.S. / H. ASTON&CO." in front of it. The barrel tang is unmarked. The left side of the barrel is stamped with "US / GW / P" inspection and proofmarks perpendicular to the bore. The left barrel flat is stamped with the Ordnance sub-inspector's initials "JH". 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.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a mottled silver gray patina with some minor pitting on the lock and hammer. The brass has an aged patina. The stock is good with three minor cracks extending from the rear of the left side plate, the bottom of the forearm has a few minor cracks and pressure dents and there are a couple minor cracks behind the lock and one between the lock and trigger. The stock remains solid and the cartouches are faint, but legible. Unless noted above, the markings are readable. Bore is opened up to .58 caliber. The action is fine.

Marked "US / I.N. JOHNSON" on the lock plate in front of the hammer, "MIDDTN / CONN / 1853" vertically at the rear. The tang is undated and the breech end of the barrel markings are not visible. Brass mountings, brass blade front sight, swivel type steel ramrod with a button head and mounted with a one piece walnut stock with two faint cartouches on the left flat and stamped "OHIO" on the top left side of the wrist.

Good. The barrel has been cleaned bright and there is heavy pitting on the breech end. The lock and hammer have a smooth gray patina with some minor pitting under the hammer. The brass has been cleaned some time ago and is beginning to age again. There is a minor crack behind the lock and a couple on the left flat, otherwise the stock is very good with some scattered minor dents and dings. The lock markings are clear. Bore is opened up to .58. The action is fine.