1842 58 caliber percussion pistol

[the old gringo]

a friend is trying to sell a 1842 58 caliber percussion pistol . I have no idea what a fair price is: . he has cancer and needs the money . it was his great grandfathers and there is no family for it to go to . the problem is over the years 1. some one refinished the stock 2. lost the mechanism that holds the ramrod to the barrel 3. painted the barrel black from the barrel band forward . i have a pic on my facebook but i am to old apparently to get it to here ! i am not buying but i do not want him to get burned

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Over here, about 200-300 euros, depending on model and perceived residual collector interest. Paint can be removed. Swivel mechanism and ramrod can be replaced. Wood can't be "de-refinished".

[A. F Medic]

That is $260 and 90cents and up

[Aragorn243]

They sell the reproductions over here for that money. Here's a pair that sold, estimated value was $1200-$1800 for the pair and they aren't that pretty.


Two U.S. Martial Percussion Pistols -A) Aston U.S. Model 1842 Percussion Pistol

[the old gringo]

thank you

[Patrick Chadwick]

Old Gringo referred to an unidentified pistol, no markings, incomplete and heavily refinished.
The examples from Aragorn243 were identified, properly marked, and not refinished. Hence a much higher price range. My observation of the market (and discussions with collectors) indicates that wear and tear may be forgiven as historically inevitable, to an extent depending on the rarity factor, but not irreversible reworking.

Aragorn and myself have thus noted the ends of the spectrum.
Where the Old Gringo pistol lies on this scale is impossible for us to tell, as no photos were presented.

But as a general observation (and I realize that your market will be different), I see many old pistols offered over here - more than rifles or muskets of a similar vintage, since pistols are easily put in a drawer and forgotten for a century or two! And there are plenty of Indian(?) replicas about, some with a touch of artificial ageing. After looking at plenty of junk, I eventually acquired a a Belgian .55 percussion pistol within the range that I quoted at the outset, and a Westley Richards in .69 caliber for a price a little above the upper end.

Percussion pistols seem to be the most common type of muzzle-loading firearm on the market. Hence a strong price-sensitivity to condition, finish, marking and completeness.

Old Gringo, if you could produce photos of the pistol concerned, we might be able to depart from generalization and reach a more specific conclusion!