U.S. Model 1836 Flintlock

It is historically significant as the last official U.S. martial pistol with a flintlock ignition system to be produced for the U.S. government. The image shows markings on the lockplate, which typically include "U.S./R. JOHNSON/MIDDN CONN" and a date, indicating the manufacturer, location, and year of production. This model was the standard issue handgun for the Mexican-American War and many were later converted to a percussion system for use during the American Civil War. The pistol is a single-shot, .54 caliber smoothbore with an 8 1/2-inch round barrel. It was widely regarded as the best-designed and manufactured flintlock pistol of its time. The manufacturer, Robert Johnson, was awarded a contract to produce these pistols, with approximately 18,000 made between 1836 and 1844. Another prominent manufacturer of this model was Asa Waters.