This martial sidearm is a government contract Model 1836 single-shot flintlock pistol in very good condition.

Gunsmith / manufacturer Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut, produced 41,000 such pistols from 1836 through 1844.  The 14” long military pistol is a .54 caliber smoothbore muzzleloader that has an 8.5” round barrel with a bore that is slightly dirty but otherwise good. Barrel retains a pewter-gray tone with dark brown age spotting. Breech area near touchhole remains clean and unpitted. Barrel has a brass blade front sight and an oval shaped rear sight on tang. The mottled gray lockplate is flat with beveled edges forward of the hammer and convex at the rear.   Maker name on the lockplate is strong and sharp, “U S. /  R. JOHNSON / MIDDn CONN / 1844” under the pan.   Lockplate is unmarked behind the hammer. Barrel is unmarked. Barrel band has a strap extension that joins the side plate. Brass pan with nice patina. Frizzen and cock (hammer) have almost black patina. Weapon features a swivel-type steel button-head ramrod.

The dark black walnut stock exhibits a pleasing wood tone with nice finish. No inspector’s cartouches are visible. Stock shows few dings with no chips. Round butt cap displays a long integral tang that forms the rear strap of the grip.

Mechanics operate as designed and the hammer holds at half and full cock. When pulling the trigger, the hammer hangs slightly on the half cock and the trigger needs to be pulled completely back to complete the action.

A very nice looking flintlock pistol.  [jet][ph:L]