The Model 1842 was the first standard U.S. martial pistol produced originally as a percussion weapon and was used primarily in the Mexican-American War with service into the Civil War era. The U.S. military contract pistols were all manufactured in Middletown, Connecticut, and around 1,000 were also manufactured for the South Carolina militia at the Palmetto Armory. This example was manufactured by Henry Aston in 1850 and has the standard markings and features including two distinct inspector cartouches and matching "1850" on the lock and barrel tang.

Very fine overall, showing mostly a silver-grey speckled with a darker grey patina and some scattered light pitting. The brass shows an attractively aged patina. The wood has minor dings and scratches throughout and clear cartouches. Mechanically excellent.