This is an 1842 U.S. Ordinance contract pistol Model 1842 at .60 cal. made by Henry Aston of Middletown, Conn. It has a date of 1851 on the lock-plate indicating Aston's second contract with the U.S. government. This contract was for only 6,000 guns and was completed in 1852. The gun has an excellent clean bore without any pits. The barrel is marked "NWP" at the breach for Nathum W. Patch ordinance inspector as seen on many contract arms of this period. The metal has light surface pitting on the lock while all other furniture is of brass. The metal ramrod is captured with the swivel at the muzzle. This would be the last contract pistol made for the US government until the Civil War. Many soldiers carried this gun into Florida, Texas, and California. It was noted that during the gold rush days of California, Quarter Masters were told to collect all arms after the days' maneuvers were over. Any man with a model 1842 gun and a horse would likely go AWOL which would make this a very desirable arm to be stolen. This gun is in very good condition. This gun is an antique and no attempt has been made to fire this gun to confirm its mechanical integrity. Nor should this gun be fired without the examination by a qualified gunsmith. Any attempt to fire an antique gun is at the risk of the owner and not consistent with the value of the firearm. No sales to New York, New Jersey, California, and Hawaii. This is an antique, non FFL firearm. Please see photo for details. Jim & Barbara Sherman Private Western Mining Museum