This pistol was the first percussion pistol ever made and contracted with the U. S. government. Adopted by the U. S. Navy, the Model 1843 was produced under contract by the N. P. Ames Company of Springfield, Massachusetts. Of .54 caliber, this single shot smoothbore sidearm measures eleven and 5/8 inches long, weighs two pounds, and was made in 1844. Pistol is also referred to as the ‘boxlock’ pistol because the hammer rests behind (inside) the actual lockplate. The design permitted ease of handling when the pistol was carried under the seaman’s waist belt. Ames’s production of this pistol went from 1842 thru 1847 with a total of some 2,000 of which all were delivered to the Navy by 1845. All Ames units are dated either 1842, 1843, 1844 or 1845.

Center of lockplate is stamped in small black with “N.P. AMES / SPRINGFIELD / MASS” in three horizontal lines. Stamping is thin but clear and visible. Rear of the plate shows “USN / 1844.” The 6” round barrel has breech markings of “USN / 1844 / RP (inspector Richard Paine) / P (proofed)” in four horizontal lines. Pistol shows traces of a number of sub-inspector markings “R” on the bolster, triggerguard, and on the brass butt plate.

The barrel exhibits no traces of the original colors but wears a mottled surface of light gray with some light rust oxidation. Stock secures the barrel with a single brass barrel band. Smooth, one-piece, black walnut full stock is in very good overall condition with two government cartouches visible on the left flat. Pistol grip area does have an old, horizontal crack 2” up from the pommel. Retains its original swivel-out ramrod with a button head. A seldom seen M1843 single shot Navy-marked pistol.

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