U.S. Model 1842 Percussion Pistol manufactured by Henry Aston of Middletown, Connecticut, in 1850. Henry Aston manufactured approximately 30,000 Model 1842 Pistols under two government contracts between 1845 and 1852. Model 1842 Pistols were the primary handgun for the U.S. 1st and 2nd Dragoon regiments until they were replaced by Colt revolvers in the 1850s. Model 1842 Pistols remained in service through the first year of the Civil War. The pistol has a National Armory Bright barrel, lock and swivel ramrod. The barrel band/side plate, trigger guard, butt-cap 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./1850" stamped in three vertical lines behind the hammer. The barrel tang is dated "1850". The top of the barrel is stamped with "U.S./J.H./P" inspection and proof marks. A small "JH" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the left flat. Single letter "H" or "W" Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. The left stock flat is stamped with the Ordnance sub-inspector's mark which consists of the script initials "GW" in an oval and the Ordnance final inspector's script initials "WAT" surrounded by an oval.

Fine. The barrel is bright and has some minor pitting on the right side of the muzzle and traces of flash pitting on the nipple bolster. The lock plate has some very minor pitting and some scattered patches of age discoloration. The brass furniture has not been polished. The stock is in very fine condition and retains the original oil finish. The stock edges are sharp. Both Ordnance inspection stamps on the left flat are extremely crisp. The stock shows only minor handling and storage wear. The action is crisp and functions perfectly. This is a very good example of a Henry Aston U.S. Model 1842 Percussion Pistol.