Antique Gun 2880. Ames Model 1842 US Revenue Cutter Service Box Lock Percussion Pistol.
The rarest of the single shot US martial pistols is the Ames M1842 Box Lock Percussion Pistol made on contract for the US Revenue Cutter Service (now known as the US Coast Guard). Only 144 pistols were contracted for on December 5th, 1843, and delivered in that year. This example is in very fine overall condition, and well marked; lockplate marked NP Ames, Springfield, Mass, in 3 lines and USR 1843 at tail of lockplate. Barrel marked USR 1843 JCB (Joseph C. Bragg, US Inspector) and the letter P in four lines. Wood is excellent and retains the inspector's cartouches of Bragg and William A. Thornton. Metal is very fine, wtih some extremely light salt and peppering; brass is excellent and unpolished. Hammer retains 50% or more black case; nipple is excellent. Mechanically excellent. The Revenue Cutter pistol has a very low survival rate -- only approximately 10 pistols -- and is present only in the most advanced collecitons. This example is the only one to come on the market in several years. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to complete your single shot martial pistol collection. Only $8000.
