This is an exceptional example of a U.S. Model 1836 flintlock pistol that was manufactured by Asa Waters of Millbury, Massachusetts, in 1837. The pistol barrel, back strap, buttcap, trigger guard and side plate-barrel band are finished "National Armory Bright". The hammer, frizzen and lock plate have a muted, casehardened finish and the screws are niter blue. The walnut stock is oil-finished. The pistol has the distinctive iron barrel band with strap extension that forms the side plate and swivel-mounted button head, ramrod. The barrel has a brass front sight blade and an oval rear sight is mounted on the barrel tang. The lock plate is flat beveled edges in front of the hammer and rounded behind it. The lock has a reinforced hammer and detachable fenced brass pan. The butt cap is an integral part of the back strap. The lock plate is stamped with an Eagle's Head motif above "A. WATERS/MILLBURY.MS/1837" in three lines. "U.S./JA/P" property, inspection and proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel perpendicular to the axis of the bore. Single letter "S" and "F" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on the side plate, left barrel flat, and trigger guard finial. Ordnance sub-inspection and final inspection marks consisting of three script initials with oval borders are stamped on the left stock flat. The Model 1836 pistol is historically significant as the last U.S. martial pistol produced with the flintlock ignition system. It is generally considered to be the best made, most attractive and best performing U.S. martial flintlock pistol. The Model 1836 pistol was the primary handgun used by the U.S. 1st and 2nd Dragoon regiments during the Mexican War. It remained in service with militia units until the Civil War.

Excellent. The polished barrel and iron furniture have the "National Armory Bright" finish that was on the pistol when new. Traces of pitting are visible around the flash hole, on the right barrel flat and on the left side of the frizzen. The proof and inspection marks on the barrel and the sub-inspection marks on other components are sharp. The lock, hammer and frizzen retain more than 90% of the original casehardened finish. The surfaces of the lock and hammer are smooth and the lock plate markings are sharp. The brass flash pan has an attractive patina. The hammer, side plate and tang screws have most of the fiery niter blue finish intact. The stock is in excellent condition and retains nearly all of the original finish. The edges of the barrel channel, lock flat and side plate flat are sharp. The Ordnance inspection marks on the left stock flat are sharp. This is an outstanding example of an important U.S. flintlock martial pistol that would be difficult to improve upon.