M1842 H. Aston & Co.

[Ricochet]

I picked up an M1842 horse pistol this weekend, and would like to show a few photos of it. It's marked H. Aston & Co., and is dated 1851. It is nicer than the other ones I saw at the show, with the exception of one that looked virtually unused and in new condition. That one was part of a collection that was going to be auctioned off. The one I bought does have a small crack near the rear lock plate screw, where I have seen nearly identical cracks on other examples. Other than that the stock is very good. The bore is good, and closely matches the exterior of the barrel in condition. The barrel markings didn't show very well. They are US over WN over P. The flat on the left side of the barrel has a JH marking on it, and this JH also appears near the rear most cartouche. I have identified the name of the man with the WAT cartouche, but do not know who the WN cartouche belongs to. There are 3 very small Ns and small H on the brass parts. I am very happy to have added this to my very modest ACW collection.

 

[Ralph Heinz]

Excellent photos and you'll find a lot of friends here. You have purchased a fine pistol -- a collection doesn't have to be big to be good. It's better to have a few fine items than a whole room full of poor quality guns. I also live west of the Rockies but it means very long distances to travel to find a decent gun show with quality items.

 

[JOHN42768]

Nice find. WN is Walter North, JH is Joseph Hannis

 

[Mark A]

WN is Walter North active from 1850-1859

JH is a bit harder to determine as there were several inspectors with those initials.

James Harris
John Hawkins
Joseph Hannis
Joseph Harniss
James Hannis

 

[originalrebelyell]

That is a very nice one.

 

[captaindrew]

Nice piece!

 

[UCVRelics]

Very Nice.

Walter North, Aston Pistols and Colt M1851 .36 Revolvers 1831-1852

 

[Ricochet]

Thanks very much to each of you for the kind words, and for the information on the inspector's names. Learning who these various marks stand for is always interesting, and I think it adds to the enjoyment of these pieces.

 

[Mark A]

I won't start another thread just add to this existing one. I just picked up this 1849 dated Model 1842 H. Aston pistol. It was too nice to leave for someone else to purchase. Some very minor scratches on the stock but otherwise a near flawless example with perfect cartouches. The trigger still has nearly all of its original blue.

 

[JOHN42768]

I won't start another thread just add to this existing one. I just picked up this 1849 dated Model 1842 H. Aston pistol. It was too nice to leave for someone else to purchase. Some very minor scratches on the stock but otherwise a near flawless example with perfect cartouches. The trigger still has nearly all of its original blue.

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From Randy correct. I was going for it the next morning. Wonderful shape

 

[Mark A]

From Randy correct. I was going for it the next morning. Wonderful shape

Yes, first time buying from him. He was very good to deal with and the gun too nice to last very long on his web site. I've been collecting for a very long time and have found that there is a very thin line between waiting too long to make a purchase (and losing a gun to another collector) and buying too soon (perhaps paying too much) when nobody else is interested in the same item. The hobby is fun.

 

[Spunk Puppy]

The Astons are among the easiest and least expensive U.S. martial pistols to be found. Really, they're all over the place. Which is a GOOD THING because they're so beautiful and many are still in shooting shape! Had an Aston and sold it, like an idiot. Some PRIME CONDITION guns in this thread. Both pistols shown so far are extremely desirable because unlike so many of these, they show no sign of sanding or refinishing work whatsoever. Sadly many originals can be found with horribly rounded wood and improper finishes, often with brightly and obviously polished metal too.

 

[Ricochet]

Mark, that is really a beautiful pistol. Thanks for showing it.