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ASTON 1842 PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
ASTON 1842 PISTOL.

Cal. 54. NSN. Bbl. 8 1/2" round with brass blade sight. Manufactured by Henry Aston (also by Ira Johnson) 1851 (6,000 units 1851-1852.); total production 1845-1852. Top of bbl. marked "U S", inspector Walter North's initials of "W N" and military "P" proof. "1851" on Tang and lock (flat with beveled edges) that also has "U S / 8.ASTON & CO." in front of hammer and "MIDD'TN / CONN / 1851" at tail. This exact pistol with stamped A B Brooks number "944" (twice, left side above brass connector and top right above lock tail) of catalog in 1889 as part of a pair carried by Connecticut Governor's Horse Guard until 1885. The matching pistol with mixed dates of 1851 and 1852 was sold by Poulin's in May of 2022. Left panel of stock has vivid oval "W.A.T." (William A. Thornton) and boxed "LM". "M" on brass backstrap immediately behind tang, in front of trigger guard and also in front of front lockplate screwhead. "W" on brass connector between lockplate screws and on left rear side flat of barrel. Captured swivel ramrod with threaded end for accessories. Brooks listing states both No. 944 pistols were altered from flint lock to percussion and listed as items 107 and 108 in the catalog. CONDITION: fine antique condition with crisp markings and good to very good bore. Proper mechanical functioning. (01-22120/NW). ANTIQUE. $800-1,200.