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U.S. Aston Contract Model 1842 Percussion Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:2,250.00 - 3,500.00 USD
U.S. Aston Contract Model 1842 Percussion Pistol
This is a very fine original example of a U.S. contract Model 1842 percussion pistol that was manufactured by Henry Aston of Middletown, Connecticut in 1850. This pistol has a smoothbore barrel with a swivel, button head ramrod. The trigger guard, buttcap and barrel band/side plate are brass. The metal surfaces, except the blue trigger, are bright. The lock plate is stamped with the earlier "U.S./ H.ASTON" in front of the hammer and "MIDDtn / CONN. / 1850" vertically behind the hammer. The barrel tang is dated "1850" and the left side, breech end of the barrel is marked "US / JH / P" with the letter "H" on the left rear barrel flat. The left side plate and front of the trigger guard plate are also marked with a small "H". Mounted with a smooth one piece walnut stock with crisp "NWP" and "WAT" cartouches on the left flat.
BBL: 8 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 percussion
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very fine. The correct arsenal bright metal surfaces have a smooth silver gray. The brass has an attractive mustard yellow aged patina. There is a crude "X" carved into the backstrap, however it does not detract from the overall appearance. The stock is excellent with only a few scattered minor dings and handling marks, crisp cartouches and sharp edges on the flats. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.