1179

Rare and Excellent U.S.N. Ames Contract Model 1842 Percussion Navy Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Rare and Excellent U.S.N. Ames Contract Model 1842 Percussion Navy Pistol
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Estimate: $4500 - 6500
Manufactured by N.P. Ames of Springfield Massachusetts and Henry Derringer of Philadelphia circa 1842 to 1847 this revolver is also known as the Model 1842 or Navy Box Lock Model with an estimated 2,000 of these pistols. The Model 1842 has the distinction of being the first U.S. martial percussion pistol produced under contract for the government. Ames delivered 300 of these pistols to the government before the contract was signed. The breech end of the barrel is marked "USN/1845/RP/P". The lock is marked "USN/1845" vertically at the rear and "N.P. AMES/SPRINGFIELD/MASS." below the hammer. Bright barrel and swivel type steel ramrod with a button shaped head, casehardened later flat lock plate and hammer and silver plated brass trigger guard, barrel band and flat round butt cap. Smooth one piece stock with no visible cartouches or inspection markings.
BBL: 6 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very fine. The barrel retains 60% of the original brown finish with some thinning and areas of gray patina and some minor pitting. The lock retains 75% of the original case colors with a smooth gray on the balance and on the hammer. The trigger guard and barrel band retain 90% of the original silver plating with an aged patina on the balance and the buttplate shows strong silver with an aged patina and numerous small dings. The stock is very fine with a small crack ahead of the lock, some scattered dark areas, a few chips on the edge of the butt and a number of minor dings on the butt. The markings are mostly crisp and clear. The action is excellent.