For Sale: U.S. Model 1842 Percussion Pistol, I.N. Johnson

The U.S. Model 1842 percussion pistol replaced the Model 1836 flintlock pistol becoming the first standard-issue single-shot percussion pistol of the U.S. Army. The pistol was also the first U.S. military pistol to use interchangeable parts. Manufactured from 1846-1855 by Henry Aston, Ira N. Johnson in Connecticut and the Palmetto Armory in South Carolina, the Model 1842 horse pistol saw action in the Mexican-American War with a more limited service in the revolver rich American Civil War. Features include an 8 ½-inch barrel in .54 caliber, swivel ramrod, brass furniture, blued trigger, and black walnut stock.  The lockplate, barrel, and hammer are all finished in the white.

The example seen here was manufactured in 1855 by I. N. Johnson in Middletown, Connecticut where, from 1853 to 1855, production reached approximately 10,000 U.S. Model 1842 pistols. The lockplate is marked ‘US/I.N. JOHNSON’ forward of the hammer and vertically ‘MIDDtn/CONN./1855’ behind the hammer. No date is observed on the barrel tang. ‘SM/P’ (Stillman Moore) inspector stamp is seen on the barrel breech. No cartouches are observed on the stock.

Light service marks are present throughout the stock and the bright finished metal surfaces are freckled with oxidized spots that come with age. The brass furniture also bears light service marks and remains in good overall condition. All screwheads are in excellent condition. The bore is semi-bright with freckles of scattered pitting and two light score marks, most likely from the ramrod, along the top of the bore. Half-cock is secure with the action on this U.S. Model 1842 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.