Original A. Waters, Milbury MS Model 1836 US Military Marked, Brown 8 ½” Pair of Filintlock Pistols, MFD 1838 Antique
SOLD FOR: $ 1,705.00
LSB#: 151106AC03, 151106AC04
Make: A. Waters, Milbury MS
Model: M 1836
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: 1838
Caliber: .54 Caliber Ball
Action Type: Flintlock
Markings: 151106AC03: The top of the barrel is marked “US / JH / P”. The left side of the barrel is marked “F”. The trigger guard plate is marked “X” and “F”. The frizzen spring screw head is marked “C”. The frizzen screw is marked “Q”. The hammer screw is marked “C”. The lock plate is marked with an Eagle’s Head / A. WATERS / MILBURY, MS / 1836” and “F”. The lock plate is marked “X”.
151106AC04: The top of the barrel is marked “US / JH / P”. The left side of the barrel is marked “F”. The trigger guard plate is marked “V” and “F”. The frizzen spring screw head is marked “S”. The frizzen screw is marked “C”. The hammer screw is marked “Q”. The lock plate is marked with an Eagle’s Head / A. WATERS / MILBURY, MS / 1836” and “S”. The lock plate is marked “V”.
Barrel Lengths: 8 ½” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sights are half round blades fixed to the barrels. The rear sights are “U” grooves with raised edges on the upper tangs.
Stock Configuration & Condition: 151106AC03: The one piece stock is typical on flintlock pistols. A steel endcap is present with a back strap which mates to the upper tang. The rear of the trigger guard plate also mates to the grip cap. The side plate extends forward and is integral with the barrel band. The left side of the stock is marked with a “LF” cartouche (Lowis Foster Jr.) and a “MPL” cartouche (Maj. M.P. Lomax). A repaired crack is visible on the right side of the forend and a notable repair has been made to the rear of the lock plate. Two cracks are evident on the left side of the stock between the rear of the barrel and the side plate. Otherwise, marks commensurate with the age of a Martially marked pistol are present. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
151106AC04: The one piece stock is typical on flintlock pistols. A steel endcap is present with a back strap which mates to the upper tang. The rear of the trigger guard plate also mates to the grip cap. The side plate extends forward and is integral with the barrel band. The left side of the stock is marked with a “LF” cartouche (Lowis Foster Jr.) and a “MPL” cartouche (Maj. M.P. Lomax). A small crack emanates from the front and the rear of the lock plate and another small crack can be seen between the rear of the side plate and the rear of the barrel. A cluster of strong compression marks is present on either side of the forend tip. The remainder of the stock exhibits marks consistent with a Military pistol of this age. The “MPL” cartouche is very clear. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrel, Case Colored Lock Plate
Finish Originality: 151106AC03: Refinished
151106AC04: Refinished
Bore Condition: 151106AC03: The bore is rough and there is deep erosion in the bore.
151106AC04: The bore is rough and there is deep erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: 151106AC03: This handgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. Traces of finish are visible in protected areas and the metal has developed a natural patina. Scratch marks suggest that the pistol may have been refinished a long time ago. Patchy surface loss is evident on the barrel and barrel band. A coat of clear protection had been applied to the lock plate and butt plate, which has yellowed and significantly worn off. The screw heads are mildly distressed. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition as antique.
151106AC04: This handgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Traces of finish are visible in protected areas and the metal has developed a natural patina. Scratch marks suggest that the pistol may have been refinished a long time ago. Patchy surface loss is evident on the barrel and barrel band. A coat of clear protection had been applied to the lock plate and butt plate, which has yellowed and significantly worn off. The screw heads are mildly distressed. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition as antique.
Mechanics: 151106AC03: The action functions perfectly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
151106AC04: The action functions perfectly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Each pistol is equipped with a steel ramrod in a swivel mount.
Our Assessment: Asa Waters manufactured about 20,000 M1836 flintlock pistols in Milbury Massachusetts (which he abbreviated ‘MS’ on the lock plates) from 1837 to 1843 and another 3000 under the name ‘A. H. Waters & Co. in 1844. The M1836 flintlock was an improved version of the Model 1826 and was the last U.S. Military flintlock pistol produced. Many were converted to percussion in the 1850’s. Existing examples are found with state militia markings and converted Waters pistols were used by both sides during the American Civil War. Asa and his brother Elijah formed a gunmaking armory in 1808 and Asa was elected to the United States Congress in 1823. Asa’s mansion still stands in Millbury, MA. These are fabulous examples the final flintlock pistols used by the US military. These single shot pistols were often issued in ‘braces’ of two or more, but it is impossible to tell if these two were issued together. Having said that, they are both the same year of manufacture and in very similar condition, so it is certainly a possibility. In any case this is a lovely pair of U.S. military flintlock pistols manufactured by a very well documented gunsmith and member of Congress.
