Guns International #: 102915460
Seller's Inventory #: 233046

Category - Antique Pistols - 1500-1850 - Antique Pistols - Percussion

Category
Antique Pistols - 1500-1850
Antique Pistols - Percussion

1853 Dated Antique I.N. JOHNSON U.S. M1842 DRAGOON Pistol BLEEDING KANSAS 1853 Dated MARTIALLY MARKED Horse Pistol

Description:
1853 Dated Antique I.N. JOHNSON U.S. M1842 DRAGOON Pistol BLEEDING KANSAS 

1853 Dated MARTIALLY MARKED Horse Pistol

Here we present an antique U.S. I.N. Johnson Model 1842 Percussion Pistol, made in 1853, in Middletown, Connecticut by Ira N. Johnson. The Model 1842 saw service during a time of great change and increasing tension, as well as firearms innovation. The Mexican-American War, the numerous conflicts with Native Americans, annexing of new territory, the rising blood-pressure over slavery, and a quick 36% population increase that all culminated in the blood-letting of the American Civil War. This was the first official percussion pistol to be adopted by the U.S. and simultaneously the last large smooth bore single shot pistol. By 1845 it was the primary issued weapon to the First and Second Regiment of Dragoons, replacing many of their Model 1836 flintlocks, just in time for the Mexican-American War.

The years of 1854-1861 were a turbulent time in the Kansas Territory. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 established the territorial boundaries of Kansas and Nebraska and opened the land to legal settlement. It allowed the residents of these territories to decide by popular vote whether their state would be free or slave. This concept of self-determination was called popular sovereignty. In Kansas, people on all sides of this controversial issue flooded the territory, trying to influence the vote in their favor. Rival territorial governments, election fraud, and squabbles over land claims all contributed to the violence of this era. Three distinct political groups occupied Kansas, those being pro-slavery, Free-Staters and abolitionists. Violence broke out immediately between these opposing factions and continued until 1861 when Kansas entered the Union as a free state on January 29. This era became forever known as Bleeding Kansas.

The Model 1842 features sturdy construction with lots of brass for support. This was important during a time when one would expend their shots and still have a fight on their hands. Striking your opponent with the pommel of your gun was quite effective. The ramrod is captive, so that it would not be lost in the heat of battle on top of a horse.

This specimen is marked “US/I.N. JOHNSON” and “MIDDTN/CONN/1853” on the lock. About 10,000 were so marked. Small initials from sub-inspectors are found on various parts of the gun.

The overall condition is good. Strong action. The bore is in good shape for its age. This example has a crack at the wrist which remains stable. Legible markings. “1853” dated lock. Cartouche remnants are present on the left flat. “X/JWA” is hand marked on the left forend. A brown patina is present on the barrel.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 8-1/2 inches.

Caliber: .54 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$1800

#233046
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes