For Sale: Flat Lock Waters Single-Shot Percussion Pistol

The Flat Lock Waters Single-Shot Percussion pistol stands as an oddity in U.S. pistol history. An unknown quantity was manufactured by Asa Waters from the early 1840s until 1849. Flat Lock Waters pistol production occurs at the same time as the U.S. military moved from the Model 1836 flintlock pistol to the U.S. Model 1842 percussion pistol and while they share characteristics of these two military arms, they are a model unto themselves and not converted flintlocks. Several hypotheses attempt to explain this model’s plentiful number of variations, including that they were a transitional model between the two ignition systems with the variations developing from the experimental process at A.H. Waters. Flat Lock Waters may represent the company’s attempts to win government contracts. Yet another possibility is that they were simply assembled from leftover Model 1836 parts. Whatever the case may have been, this model was never adopted by the military.

Flat Lock Waters Single-Shot Percussion pistols feature a flush fitting flat lockplate, from which the model derives its name. Ignition designs vary from barrel mounted cone type nipples and bolster mounted nipples to nipples mounted on squared-headed side lugs. Furniture may be brass, iron, or a combination of both. Hammers also vary widely as do the markings found on these pistols. Rear sights are not always present. Some characteristics, however, are common throughout. All are .54 caliber, have an 8 ½-inch round barrel with brass blade front sight, swivel steel ramrod, walnut stock, and are 14-inches in overall length.

The specimen presented here represents the more common side lug nipple mount ignition system. The furniture is all iron which is finished in the white. An oval shaped rear sight, as found on the Model 1836 flintlock, is present on the barrel tang. Markings include an eagle head over ‘A.H. WATERS & Co/MILBURY MASS’ that is worn and partially visible in front of the hammer on the lockplate. The side lug is marked with the letter ‘N’, while the letter ‘L’ is found on the front of the triggerguard and trigger, right side. No other markings or cartouches are observed.

The metal surfaces on this Flat Lock Waters Single-Shot Percussion pistol are cleaned and bright with small freckles of oxidation scattered throughout. The wood stock is not cracked and carries minor handling wear and scattered marks. All screwheads are in excellent condition. The bore is very good with some frosting and scattered freckles of pitting. Half-cock is secure with the action strong and working as intended.

See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of an antique firearm before purchasing this item.