This martial-marked cap and ball handgun is a very fine and most pleasing specimen of the Model 1842 single shot percussion 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 buttcap, backstrap triggerguard, side strap and barrel band. Brass wears a light bronze patina. Sub-inspector marks on the brass side-strap, back strap tang and triggerguard. Flat lock plate with very good maker markings on the thin side. Show “US / H. ASTON” in front of the hammer and “MIDDtn / CONN / 1850” behind the hammer. Stamped on the upper barrel at the breech are the proof marks of “US / JH / P” and the barrel tang exhibits just faint traces of “1850”. “US’ stamping is very thin.

Fine walnut stock displays two thin inspector’s cartouches on the left flat back. Stock wears a pleasing brown patina on its wood surface. One small crack visible at left top near the side plate screw. Pistol mechanics are super 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 moderately cleaned and shows light gray sheen with scattered spots of oxidation over the surface. A handsome Aston percussion single shot pistol.

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.

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