This martial-marked percussion handgun is a very fine and most pleasing specimen of the Model 1842 single shot pistol produced by H. Aston of Middletown, Connecticut. Aston and Ira Johnson, both of Middletown and the Palmetto Armory of Columbia, SC, produced some 24,000 of these fine horse pistols from 1845 through 1852.

This .54 caliber smoothbore muzzleloading horse pistol is 14” long and fitted with an 8½” round barrel. This pistol has all brass furniture including the butt plate, backstrap, trigger guard and side strap with integral barrel band. Brass wears a very nice lightly cleaned appearance with Sub-inspector marks on each. Flat lock plate with very good maker markings of “US / H. ASTON” forward of the hammer and “MIDDtn / CONN / 1848” behind the hammer. Stamped on the upper barrel at the breech are the proof marks of “US / NWP / P” and the barrel date of “1849.”

Fine walnut stock displays two strong, crisp inspector’s cartouches on the left flat. Stock wears a pleasing finish on its wood surface. There are no visible cracks but there are several scratches around the barrel tang. Pistol mechanics are tight and crisp. Bore dusty and could use some cleaning. Original swivel type steel ramrod with its button-shaped head. All gun metal has been lightly cleaned and shows light surface pitting on breech and muzzle. Nipple is original.

A handsome Aston percussion single shot pistol.   [AD]

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