Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This was the first percussion pistol ordered by the U.S. Government and was intended for the U.S. NAVY. 2,000 pieces were ordered from N.P. AMES of Springfield, Massachusetts as the Model of 1842, which were all delivered up until 1847. Each had a .54" smooth bore barrel of almost 6" and measured almost 12 1/2" in overall length. The locks were fitted with an "internal" hammer on the interior of the lock plate, possibly to prevent damage from exposure to the sea air.
This is a very nice service used example of the M1842 Percussion pistol, which shows wear consistent with moderate service. The lock plate looks to have suffered some oxidation, and then was cleaned off, which has made the original markings faint. We can still however read most of the original maker marking in the center:
N.P. AMES
[SPRI]NGFIELD
MASS.
The lock plate on this example is stamped across the tail with U.S.N. over the faint manufacture date of 1845. The markings on the barrel breech are still mostly intact: R / 1843 / JCB / P. These are often worn away by powder burn or sea exposure, but these are still fully legible. "JCB" is the marking for inspector Lt. John C. Beaumont, USN, who inspected I.N. Johnson Pistols, Ames Pistols and Cutlasses.
The trigger guard and single barrel band are both made of brass, which would not rust from sea exposure. The pistol is fitted with a "trapped" swivel ramrod that the sailor could not lose easily, which is intact and fully functional. The lock functions correctly as well, holding at half cock and only releasing at full. The stock is in good condition, showing wear from service, and does show damage from cracks and past repairs. There are repairs under the lock plate, and a crack on the left side running from the breech down to the trigger.
A very nice Civil War era naval percussion pistol, now fully cleaned and ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: 1845
Caliber: .54 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 12 inches
Action: Percussion Lock with "internal" hammer
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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