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US Model 1842 Army Contract Pistol H. Aston c1849

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 2,500.00 USD
US Model 1842 Army Contract Pistol H. Aston c1849
This is truly a museum quality historic U.S. Model 1842 .54 caliber percussion pistol, manufactured on contract for the Government by H. Aston & Co. of Middletown, Connecticut. These classic American large bore single shot weapons were made from 1846 to 1850 and saw wide usage on the frontier Pre-Civil War and later used in the Civil War itself. Most examples that are encountered on the market today exhibit hard used and often abused condition, with this example showing an outstanding condition. The example shows a one piece hardwood stock and forearm with the lightest of handling marks and retains the two fine inspector cartouches on the left side of the stock opposite the lock plate, wood to metal fit is tight and true showing no signs of being cleaner or sanded. The metal parts are smooth and naturally aged to a splendid uncleaned dark patina. The lock plate is correctly marked, “US H. ASTON” in front of the hammer and “MIDDtn/ CONN. 1849” behind the hammer. The rear of the 8 ½” barrel has the inspector stamp “NWP” over “P” and the side being marked, “H” which is correct and original. The brass grips traps/tangs, trigger guard and barrel band are all a beautiful mellow unpolished and uncleaned mustard color, along with the firearm retaining the brass blade front sight, steel ram rod with swivel intact. The pistol is mechanically sound and functioning wonderfully. This is simply one of the best extant examples of this early U.S. issue firearm currently brought to market. Brass backstrap is marked, “B”. Antique Firearm requires NO FFL.