This martial-marked percussion handgun is a 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 13¾” long and fitted with an 8½” round barrel. Barrel surface has light scattered pitting and oxidation in areas. Stamped on the upper barrel at the breech are the proof marks of “GW / P” and the barrel tang exhibits the date “1850.”  Bore is dirty and lightly pitted.

Pistol has all brass furniture including the butt cap, backstrap, triggerguard, escutcheon and barrel band. All brass wears a brown patina.

Flat, beveled-edge lock plate has thin maker markings and light mottling. Markings are “US / H. ASTON” in front of the hammer and “MIDDtn / CONN / 1850” behind the hammer. Original nipple and bolster. Pistol mechanics are tight.

Walnut stock bears two strong inspector’s cartouches on the left flat. Stock is in overall nice condition. Some minor dings and dents but no cracks. Bore is dark and pitted.

Pistol retains its original swivel type, steel, button-head ramrod but it is hard to move.  [AD]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!