U.S. Model 1842 Percussion Pistol manufactured by Henry Aston of Middletown, Connecticut, in 1847. Henry Aston manufactured approximately 30,000 Model 1842 Pistols under two government contracts between 1845 and 1852. Model 1842 Pistols remained in service thru the first months of the Civil War. The pistol has a National Armory Bright barrel, lock and swivel ramrod. The barrel band/side plate, trigger guard, buttcap and back strap are brass. The stock is oil-finished black walnut. The lock plate has the first style marking which consists of "U.S./H.ASTON" stamped in two lines ahead of the hammer and "MIDDTN/CONN./1847" stamped in three vertical lines behind the hammer. The left stock flat is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of the script initials "WAT" in an oval.

Poor. The pistol barrel has been polished and the date and proof and inspection marks are not visible. The markings on the lock plate are clear. The "WAT" final inspection mark on the left barrel flat is faint. The brass furniture has been polished and has a good looking patina. The stock is in good condition with moderate handling wear. The edges of the stock flats are slight rounded and the stock has minor scratches and dents.