This is a US Model 1836 flintlock pistol manufactured by Asa Waters of Millbury, Massachusetts in 1838. Between 1837 and 1843 Waters produced approximately 20,000 of these .54 caliber smoothbore pistols. The pistol has an overall length of 14", with a 8 1/2" round barrel. These pistols were finished in "National Armory Bright", but the barrel has attained an attractive, even steel gray patina. The exterior of the barrel has a smooth surface with light pitting. Stamped near the breech in three lines are US/JH/P. The sub inspector stamp of H can be found on the left barrel flat. The front brass blade sight and oval rear sight cast into the barrel tang are both present. The bore gauges at .55 caliber and is turning dark, but has no rust or pitting. The swivel type steel ramrod with button head is still with this old horse pistol. The iron barrel band has a strap that makes up part of the side plate, and the back strap, integral with the butt cap, extends all the way up to the barrel tang. All the iron hardware, barrel band, side plate, trigger guard, butt cap and back strap have a slightly darker patina than the barrel. Sub inspector stamps of H and P can be found on the trigger guard and trigger plate. The side plate also has the sub inspector stamp of P. The mechanics of the lock work perfectly. The lock has been converted from flint to percussion, but the brass pan still remains. It has a stamp of 54 on the side, probably to denote the caliber. Stamped on the lock in four crisp lines are and eagle head/A.WATERS/MILLBURY.MS./1838. The walnut stock is in good condition, showing the normal dings and bumps from normal handling. There are no cracks in the wood, all edges and barrel channels are very crisp. Two inspector cartouches are visible on the left side, one oval and one rectangle stamp. One has the initials JH, for James Harris, inspector of Johnson pistols and Colt 1851 Navy revolvers from 1837 - 1851. I can not quite make out the three initials in the rectangle cartouche. The letter F is also stamped on the lefts ide of the stock just above the side plate by the upper lock screw. The Model 1836 is often regarded as the best made, best performing US military flintlock handgun made. It was an improved version of the Model 1826, and the last U.S. military pistol produced using the flintlock ignition system. The Model 1836 flintlock pistol was the primary handgun issued to US Dragoons and Mounted Rifles during the Mexican War. Many were later converted to percussion and saw service in the Civil War, as this one possbily did. This US Model 1836 flintlock pistol has been converted to percussion, and comes with a partial pommel holster.

Item # AA2857

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