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U.S. Ames Model 1842 Navy Boxlock Perc. Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD
U.S. Ames Model 1842 Navy Boxlock Perc. Pistol
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U.S. Ames Model 1842 Navy ''Revenue Service'' Boxlock Percussion Pistol, NVSN, .54 cal., 6'' barrel without sights is proofmarked ''JCB/P'' at left breech; captive swivel-type steel ramrod with button tip; distinctive lockplate is marked ''N.P. Ames/Springfield/Mass.'' under hammer and ''U.S.R./1843'' vertically at rear; brass mountings including single wide barrel band, one-piece triggerguard, and inset circular buttcap; oil-stained walnut fullstock with oval ''W.A.T.'' and ''JCB'' inspectors' cartouches on raised apron opposite lock. Mfg'd ca. 1842-47, originally with browned barrel and the balance ''arsenal bright''. Condition is good. All parts and markings appear original, the iron surfaces with no original finish and scattered pitting and battering from military use, the brass with an aged patina. Stock is solid and generally smooth with a quarter-inch chip at butt, scattered light use marks, and sharp and clear inspectors' stamps. Barrel marks are clear; lock markings are somewhat obscured by pitting but mostly legible. Action is crisp and tight; smoothbore with deep black powder etching but otherwise clean. This Model 1842 was the first percussion pistol delivered to the U.S. military; these ''U.S.R.'' (U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, forerunner of the Coast Guard) marked examples are considered very rare. Est.: $1,000-$2,000. (Antique)