This pistol is certainly one of the finest examples of a U.S. Model 1842 percussion pistol extant. This was the final single shot, smoothbore, muzzleloading U.S. martial pistol model and saw use in the Mexican-American War and Civil War. Gunmaker Henry Aston manufactured 24,000 of these distinctive pistols under his first contract in 1846 to 1851. Another 6,000 were produced under another contract by H. Aston & Co. in 1851 and 1852. Ira N. Johnson purchased the factory and then produced another 10,000 under contract in 1853 to 1855. The pistol has a round smoothbore barrel with brass front sight blade and swivel mounted button head ramrod. The lock has "U.S/H.ASTON" in front of the hammer and "MIDDTN/CONN/1850" stamped behind the hammer. The barrel tang is also dated "1850." The top of the barrel is marked "U.S./GW/P," and "JH" is on the left flat at the breech. The side plate and long pommel strap have "H" sub-inspection marks, and a "W" sub-inspection mark is on the strap of the barrel band ahead of the front lock screw. "GW" (George Wells or George Wright) and "WAT" (William Anderson Thornton) cartouches are on the left stock flat. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Excellent with nearly all of the lock and barrel remaining armory bright, attractive aged patina on the brass furniture, minimal wear, and crisp markings. The stock is also excellent and has attractive grain, smooth oiled finish, some light dings and scratches, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent.