Our Price: sold
The U.S. government contracted with Henry Aston on February 25, 1845, to produce 30,000 Model 1842 pistols within five years at a cost of $6.50 each. In 1850 the firm was reorganized into H. Aston & Co. and the pistols are so marked beginning in 1851. This is an excellent example with sharp edges and markings. The brass has been burnished at some point and a coat of lacquer applied to the stock as was common among early collectors.
8 1/2 inch, .54 caliber round barrel with brass blade front sight, the breech marked "US/J.H/P," "W" on the left side, and "1851" on the breech plug tang; flat lock plate marked "MIDDTN/CONN/1851" on the rounded tail and "U.S./H. ASTON & CO." in front of the hammer, the inside of the plate marked "W" and with blued bridle, tumbler, sear, and screws; walnut stock marked on the left side with "GW" and "WAT" cartouches and small "M" stamp; brass furniture including a butt cap with long strap extending to the breech plug tang marked "W" at the top, trigger guard with blunt finial marked "W," flat side plate marked "W," and barrel band marked "M"; steel swivel rammer with small button head.
Overall length, 14 1/4 inches.
https://ccrelics.com/u-s-model-1842-pistol-henry-aston-company-middletown-connecticut-1851?tmpl=component&print=1#sigProId72263ac9ff