This is a rare example of the approximately 1,000 breech loading pistols Marston of New York manufactured circa early to mid-1850s. The top barrel flat is marked "W.W. MARSTON/PATENTED 1850" followed by "NEW YORK". The barrel is numbered to the gun. The iron frame features the standard light floral scroll designs and the hammer has a simple pattern. The action is operated by a lever in front of the grip and a unique Marston patent leather base, paperboard bodied cartridge was used. Dovetailed small blade front and notch rear sights, all blue finish and fitted with smooth varnished walnut grips. Flayderman states that this model was "traditionally considered by collectors as a secondary martial handgun" but further concludes that there is no evidence to support this. Nonetheless, a rare American pistol!

Very good. The pistol has a crisp mottled brown-gray patina with a few areas of mild pitting. The grips are good with a number of minor pressure dents on the bottoms, a few missing minor chips, and some minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.