This is one of the estimated 500 Army Model 1861 Signal Pistols manufactured by William Marston of New York. All brass construction except for the small parts. It is made up of two halves that are held together with two screws. The pistol used the Coston Light System which did not propel the flare into the air. The flare burned while affixed to the pistol, which acted as the igniter and receptacle for it. "U.S. ARMY SIGNAL PISTOL/A.J.M 1861" is stamped ahead of the trigger and the number "33" is stamped behind the trigger.

Fine. The brass has an even aged patina with a number of mild scratches. There is some minor pitting on the iron components. Action functions fine, but needs trigger return spring as hammer does not always hold a full cock position. These are seldom found!