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Exceptional U.S. Johnson Model 1836 Flintlock Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Exceptional U.S. Johnson Model 1836 Flintlock Pistol
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This exceptional unissued U.S. Model 1836 Flintlock Pistol was manufactured by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut in 1841. The pistol has a round barrel with brass front sight blade and swivel-mounted, button head ramrod. The barrel band has a strap extension with is connected to the side plate. The iron back strap is integral with the buttcap. The lock plate has a rounded rear and beveled front and has a reinforced hammer and fenced brass pan. The barrel tang has an integral oval rear sight. The barrel, side plate, barrel band, trigger guard and buttcap are "National Armory Bright". The lock, trigger and barrel tang have a dark casehardened finish. The black walnut stock has an oil finish. The lock plate is roll-stamped "US/R. JOHNSON/MIDDn CONN/1841" in four lines ahead of the hammer. The top of the barrel is stamped with "U.S./JH/P" proof and inspection marks. Small "H" Sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. The script initials of the Ordnance Sub-inspector (JH) and the Ordnance final inspector (WAT) surrounded by oval borders are stamped on the left stock flat. The Model 1836 pistol has the distinction of being the last U.S. martial flintlock pistol produced. It is widely considered to be the best made, best performing and most attractive of all U.S. martial flintlock pistols. The Model 1836 pistol has the standard handgun issued to the U.S. Dragoons and Mounted Rifles during the Mexican War. After the Mexican War most Model 1836 pistols were converted to percussion and many Model 1836 pistols were issued at the start of the Civil War.
BBL: 8 1/2 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 cal.
Finish: casehardened/bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Excellent plus, unissued. The pistol is in the original flintlock configuration and appears to be un-issued and un-fired. The barrel and iron furniture have nearly all of the original "National Armory Bright" finish intact and show only traces of age discoloration. There is no flash pitting on the barrel or lock plate. The lock plate, hammer, frizzen and screws retain 98% of the original casehardened finish. The brass flash pan has a mellow untouched patina. The markings on the barrel and lock plate are very crisp. The stock is also in excellent plus condition with raised grain, sharp edges and almost no discernible handling wear. The Ordnance Sub-inspector's and final inspector's stamps on the left flat are in near-perfect condition. This is a nearly new example of an R. Johnson Model 1836 pistol. It would be difficult to ever improve upon this important pistol.