Henry Aston manufactured approximately 30,000 Model 1842 Pistols under two government contracts between 1845 and 1852. Model 1842s were the primary pistols used in the Mexican-American War and remained in service during Civil War. Some were used by Native Americans and settlers for decades after the war. The Model 1842 is essentially an updated version of the Model 1836 flintlock and was the first official U.S. martial pistol to use the percussion system. The lock has the first style marking: "U.S./H.ASTON" ahead of the hammer and "MIDDTN/CONN./1847" vertically at the tail. The barrel has the "US/GW/P" near the breech and is dated "1848" on the tang. The left stock flat is has script "SM" and "WAT" cartouches, and there are some small inspection marks throughout.

Excellent with mellow "golden rod" aged patina on the brass, some light patination and spotting on the otherwise armory bright iron, significant original niter blue on some of the screws, and general minor marks. The stock is also excellent and has sharp cartouches, some small dings and scratches, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically excellent. This is an great Model 1842 pistol, a key model in any collection of U.S. martial arms.