US MODEL 1842 PERCUSSION PISTOL – I.N. JOHNSON, DATED 1855

US MODEL 1842 PERCUSSION PISTOL – I.N. JOHNSON, DATED 1855

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$695.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1309-146

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This is a U.S. Model 1842 .54 caliber single-shot percussion pistol, made under contract by Ira N. Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut. The lockplate is stamped "U.S. / I.N. JOHNSON" forward of the hammer and "MIDDtn / CONN / 1855" at the rear. The 1855 date puts it in the final year of Johnson's production. It has the standard Model 1842 features: a round smoothbore barrel, a walnut stock with brass furniture (butt cap, trigger guard, side plate and barrel band), and the captive swivel ramrod, which is present and intact.

The Model 1842 was the first U.S. martial pistol made as a percussion arm from the start rather than converted from flintlock. Henry Aston & Co. made the bulk of them, about 30,000, between 1845 and 1852. Ira Johnson, a former Aston partner, received a contract for 10,000 more and produced them from 1853 to 1855. The pistols were issued chiefly to the mounted service, the dragoons, and saw use in the Mexican War and on the frontier. When the Civil War began, they were still in arsenals and in the hands of cavalry on both sides. They were especially common among Confederate horsemen early in the war, before revolvers became more widely available.

The breech area of the barrel shows proof and inspection stampings, and the left side of the stock opposite the lock shows a worn inspector's cartouche. The brass butt cap has characters scratched or stamped into it, possibly a company letter and rack number from its service life.

Condition: Good. The metal has an even, untouched brown-gray patina with light scattered pitting. The brass has a mellow mustard patina with numerous small dings and scratches, and there is some green staining near the side plate. The stock shows honest handling wear, dents and scratches throughout. There is what appears to be an old repair or replaced section of wood at the wrist behind the lock. The muzzle shows some light dings at the crown. The hammer, nipple and swivel ramrod are all present.  Mechanics work well and the nipple was loosened long ago.

Dimensions: Approx. 14 in. overall with an 8 1/2 in. barrel

A great weapon for the antebellum and Civil War collector.   [cm] [ph:L]

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