Manufactured in 1842 by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut with the distinctive swivel ramrod with button-shaped head, barrel band with strap extension that joins the side plate and integral back strap and buttcap. The barrel has a brass half-moon front sight and an oval rear sight is located on the tang and the lock has a detachable fenced brass flash pan. "U.S./R. JOHNSON/MIDDN CONN/1842" is stamped on the lock plate and the left side of the barrel is marked with the proof and inspection marks ("US/JH/P"). A small "B" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the left barrel flat, trigger guard and underside of the flash pan. The left stock flat is stamped with the script initials of the Ordnance sub-inspector "JCB" and the Ordnance final inspector "WAT" in oval cartouches. The pistol barrel and furniture are finished "National Armory Bright" and the lock has a dark casehardened finish and niter blue frizzen spring. The black walnut stock is oil finished. The Model 1836 pistol was the last U.S. flintlock pistol and is considered by many experts to be the most attractive and best designed of all U.S. military flintlock handguns. The Model 1836 pistol was the primary handgun issued to the U.S. Dragoons and Mounted Rifles during the Mexican War. Most Model 1836 pistols were subsequently converted to percussion.

Exceptional overall. The pistol is in the original flintlock configuration and appears to be as issued condition. It shows only very limited storage wear. The barrel, side plate/barrel band, ramrod, trigger guard and back strap/buttplate retain the "National Armory Bright" finish. There are traces of storage pitting on the barrel and the bright finished components. The lock plate, hammer and frizzen have 90% plus of the dark casehardened finish. The frizzen spring retains 60% plus of the fiery niter blue. The brass flash pan has a mellow patina. There is no flash pitting on the barrel or lock components and the pistol appears to be un-fired. The markings on the barrel and lock plate are sharp. The stock is exceptional with raised feathered grain and sharp edges. The Ordnance sub-inspector and final inspection stamps are extremely crisp. This is an exceptional example of an important U.S. flintlock pistol. It would be very difficult to improve upon this pistol.