#184254 • 1850 U.S. Model 1842 H. Aston .54 Caliber Percussion Martial Pistol – Antique

Part of Black Friday 2026 Clay and Sportsman Auction (timed auction by Double A Auction & Realty)

Starting at $100.00

Status: Available

Bidding closes Nov 27, 2026 11:32 AM EST

1850 U.S. Model 1842 H. Aston Percussion Martial Pistol .54 Caliber Smoothbore • Antique U.S. Military Horse Pistol Offered here is an original-pattern U.S. Model 1842 percussion martial pistol manufactured by H. Aston of Middletown, Connecticut. The lock is marked “US / H. ASTON” ahead of the hammer and “MIDDTN / CONN / 1850” behind the hammer, identifying the pistol as an 1850-dated example of this important American military sidearm. Historical Background The Model 1842 was the first standard United States military pistol designed and adopted from the outset with percussion ignition. It replaced earlier flintlock-pattern pistols and was intended primarily as a mounted-service or “horse pistol.” H. Aston manufactured thousands of these pistols for the United States government at Middletown, Connecticut, during the 1840s and early 1850s. Model 1842 pistols were used during the years preceding the Civil War and remained in military inventories through the Civil War period. That history gives the model an important place in the development of American martial handguns. No specific service history or combat use is represented for this individual pistol unless supported by separate documentation. Features Manufacturer: H. Aston Model: U.S. Model 1842 martial pistol Date: 1850 Caliber: Standard .54 caliber smoothbore Action: Single-shot percussion muzzleloader Barrel: Standard-pattern round barrel with brass front sight Stock: Full-length walnut stock Furniture: Brass barrel band, side strap, trigger guard, backstrap and buttcap Ramrod: Captive swivel ramrod present Markings: “US / H. ASTON” and “MIDDTN / CONN / 1850” Inspection Marks: Two inspector cartouches remain visible on the stock flat Condition The iron surfaces display an aged gray-to-brown appearance with scattered oxidation, freckling and areas of light pitting. The metal appears to have received some cleaning or polishing during its long history. The brass furniture displays an aged tone with normal handling marks and areas of discoloration. The walnut stock shows substantial age and service wear, including scratches, dents, abrasions and old carved or scratched initials and numbers. Two inspection cartouches remain visible, although both show wear. The pistol appears substantially complete, including its captive swivel ramrod, hammer, nipple, brass furniture and front sight. Important Condition Notice: This antique pistol has not been test-fired. Mechanical operation, internal condition, bore condition, part originality and suitability for firing have not been independently verified. It is offered as an antique collectible in its present condition. Any attempt to load or fire it should occur only after inspection by a qualified gunsmith experienced with antique percussion and black-powder firearms. A desirable representative example of an important U.S. military percussion pistol, displaying clear maker and date markings, visible inspection cartouches and the correct captive ramrod arrangement. Please review all photographs carefully for the best representation of condition and included components.