19th Century American Cavalry Flintlock Pistol Signed A Waters, Milbury MS 1842
The last model of flintlock that the U.S Military used before moving across to the "new" percussion cap system. It was based on the previous 1826 model and was standard issue during the Mexican War. Many were later converted to the percussion cap system for use in the American Civil War.
There were a total of 41,000 of these made by 2 different manufacturers, and this one was made by Asa Holman Waters (who accounted for 23,000). Half stocked in walnut, all the fittings are clean steel, with only the pan being made of brass. There is a small amount of staining and some pitting on the barrel and lock.
The lock is signed A. Waters, Milbury MS, 1842. Unfortunately only the A of A Waters is visible due to the pitting.
The barrel is stamped JH and P (I believe JH is the US Ordnance Inspector Joseph Harris).
The mainspring is smooth and the action is crisp in both half and full position.
The walnut stock has a handsome dark colouration, with a few aged knocks and bumps. There seem to be a couple of faint cartouches in the stock which are probably inspection stamps.
This type of pistol was held in high regard and a great many were converted to percussion cap, it's nice to see one in its original configuration.
Barrel length 21.5cm, Overall length 35.5cm
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
