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Exceptional U.S. Johnson Model 1836 Flintlock Martial Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
Exceptional U.S. Johnson Model 1836 Flintlock Martial Pistol
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Estimate: $6500 - 9500
Manufacturer: R. JOHNSON Model: 1836
This is an extraordinary example of a U.S. contract Model 1836 Pistol that was manufactured by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut, in 1842. Robert Johnson manufactured an estimated 18,000 Model 1836 Pistols between 1836 and 1844. The Model 1836 Pistol was the primary handgun issued to the U.S. Dragoons and Mounted Rifles during the Mexican War. It is considered by experts to be the best made, best performing and most attractive U.S. military flintlock handgun. The pistol has a steel swivel ramrod with button-shaped head and distinctive barrel band strap extension which joins the side plate. The iron back strap is integral to the buttcap. The lock plate is flat and beveled in front of the hammer and rounded at the rear and has a detachable brass pan with upward tilting fence. The barrel has a brass front sight blade. The tang has an oval integral rear sight. The stock is oil-finished black walnut. The barrel, ramrod, strap extension, trigger guard, and buttcap/back strap are "National Armory Bright". The lock plate, hammer, frizzen, trigger and barrel tang have a color casehardened finish. The frizzen spring, frizzen and hammer screws are niter blue. The lock plate is roll-stamped: "U.S./R. JOHNSON/MIDDn CONN/1842" in four lines in front of the hammer. The top of the barrel is stamped with, "U.S./JH/P" inspection marks perpendicular to the axis of the bore. The left stock flat is stamped with the Ordnance Sub-Inspector's mark which consists of the script initials "JH" with an oval border and the final inspection cartouche which consists of the script initials "WAT" within an oval border.
BBL: 8 1/2 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 bore
Finish: bright
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition:
Excellent plus. The pistol appears to be as-issued and un-fired except for proofing. The barrel and iron furniture retain all of the original "National Armory Bright" polish. The lock plate, frizzen, hammer tang, and trigger retain nearly 98% of the muted case colors. Significant amounts of niter blue finish remain on the frizzen spring and screws. The brass pan has a mellow untouched patina. The screws are free from screw-driver marks. The barrel and lock plate markings are crisp. There is no flash pitting on the barrel or lock plate. The stock is near new with the edges surrounding of the lock plate mortise, barrel channel and left flat extremely sharp and the stock has a raised "feathered" grain. The Ordnance inspection marks on the left flat are perfect. This is an exceptional example of a key U.S. primary martial handgun that would be nearly impossible to improve upon.