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 approx. 14” long and fitted with an 8½” round barrel. Barrel surface has light scattered pitting and oxidation in areas. Heavier near the breech and under the muzzle. Stamped on the upper barrel at the breech are the proof marks of a faint “US” over a strong “GWH / P” and the barrel tang exhibits a date of “1847.”  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 light patina.

Flat, beveled-edge lock plate has a good maker’s mark and mottling. Lock is darker than the barrel and has a small area where it was looks to have been lightly cleaned. Strong markings are “US / H. ASTON” in front of the hammer and “MIDDtn / CONN / 1847” behind the hammer. Original nipple and bolster. Pistol mechanics are tight.

Walnut stock bears two faint inspector’s cartouches on the left flat. Stock is in overall good condition with the usual dings, dents and scratches. Behind each of the escutcheon screws there is a small chip out of the wood. There are old and match the woods surface. There is a short slightly open crack running forward from the upper escutcheon screw. It is approx. ½” in length.

Pistol retains its original swivel type, steel, button-head ramrod but the pins that hold it in place look to have been replaced. Bottom of brass triggerguard and but show some indentations.

Attached to the wood behind the lock are the taped numbers “27.” These were probably added by a collector a long time ago.  [AD]

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