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U.S. Model 1836 Waters Flintlock Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,100.00 USD Estimated At:2,250.00 - 3,250.00 USD
U.S. Model 1836 Waters Flintlock Pistol
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This U.S. Waters contract Model 1836 flintlock pistol that was manufactured by Asa Waters of Millbury, Massachusetts, in 1838. The pistol has the distinctive swivel ramrod with button head, iron side plate with integral barrel band, one-piece back strap and buttcap. The barrel has a brass blade front sight and there is an oval rear sight located on the tang. The lock has a detachable, fenced brass pan. The barrel and iron furniture are ''National Armory Bright''. The lock plate, hammer and frizzen have a dark, oil-quenched, casehardened finish. The stock is oil-finished black walnut. The lock plate is stamped with a small Eagle Head above "A. WATERS/MILBURY MS/1838" in three lines below the pan. "US/JH/P" is stamped on three lines on top of the barrel perpendicular to the axis of the bore. Oval cartouches containing the script initials of the Ordnance Sub-Inspector and Final Inspector are stamped on the left stock flat. Single letter "F" and "D" Ordnance Sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components. The Model 1836 flintlock pistol was the primary handgun used by the U.S. Dragoons and Mounted Rifles during the Mexican War. It was the last U.S. martial flintlock pistol and is generally considered to be the best made, best performing and most attractive of all U.S. military flintlock handguns. A high percentage of the existing Model 1836 pistols were converted to percussion after the Mexican War and many of these pistols were still in service at the beginning of the Civil War.
BBL: 8 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 cal.
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Fine. The pistol appears to having never been cleaned and remains in the original flintlock configuration. The National Armory Bright finish on the barrel and iron furniture has aged to a smooth and very attractive plum brown patina. The casehardened finish on the hammer, frizzen and lock plate has aged to a smooth deep brown patina. All of the surfaces on the barrel, lock and furniture are smooth and free from pitting. The barrel and lock markings and sub-inspection marks are sharp. The stock is in excellent condition and retains nearly all of the original oil finish. The edges surrounding the lock plate and barrel channel are very sharp and show minimal handling and storage wear. The Ordnance Sub-inspection and final inspection marks on the left stock flat are extremely sharp. This pistol is a fine example of an Asa Waters Model 1836 Flintlock pistol in the present untouched condition.