M1842 .54 JOHNSON PERCUSSION PISTOL – DATED 1853

M1842 .54 JOHNSON PERCUSSION PISTOL – DATED 1853

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$850.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-2297

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To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

The Model 1842 was the U.S. Army's first percussion handgun adopted as a standard issue arm, and the last single-shot martial pistol before revolvers took over. A .54 caliber smoothbore with an 8 1/2" round barrel and brass mountings, it saw heavy service with dragoons and mounted troops on the frontier through the 1850s and was still in the hands of cavalry on both sides in the early days of the Civil War. Along with Springfield Armory's government production, the pistol was made under contract by Henry Aston and Ira N. Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut, whose contract deliveries ran from 1853 into 1855.

This example is a Johnson contract pistol with clear 1853 dating. The lockplate is marked behind the hammer "MIDDN / CONN / 1853," and the barrel breech is stamped "U.S." with inspector's initials and the matching 1853 date. Original brass furniture throughout, including the buttcap, trigger guard, sideplate and single barrel band, with the iron swivel ramrod still in place.

Condition: The metal shows an even gray patina with light overall pitting, heaviest at the muzzle and around the bolster. Markings remain legible but worn. The brass shows an untouched, mustard patina that has not been polished. The walnut stock has honest service wear: scattered dings and handling marks, a period "X" cut into the forestock ahead of the trigger guard, and darkening and some wood loss around the lock mortise. The swivel ramrod is present and attached. Mechanics work well, with tight locking at the half and full cocking positions. Nipple shows are fair amount of pitting. Bore is dull but appears smooth.

Dimensions: 8” barrel; 14” overall length.

A solid, honest, unrestored example of a dated contract dragoon pistol for the antebellum or Civil War collection.  [cm] [ph:L]

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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