#5 • A. Waters 1843 Flintlock Black Powder Pistol

Part of December 2025 Firepower Auction (timed auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $550.00

Status: Sold

Category: Firearms

Manufacturer: A. Waters of Millbury, MS Type: Flintlock Pistol Model: 1843 Caliber: .54 Barrel Length: 6" Optics: N/A ATF Form 4473 Required: No Log: N/A S/N: N/A Ref #: N/A Notes: This pistol is an A. Waters U.S. Model 1843 flintlock pistol chambered in .54 caliber. The Model 1843 was produced under U.S. government contract for mounted troops and represents the final flintlock pistol design formally adopted by the United States military prior to the transition to percussion ignition systems. Asa Waters II of Millbury, Massachusetts, held the third and final primary contract for this model. Production year: The U.S. Model 1843 flintlock pistol was manufactured in 1843. Asa Waters’ contract concluded that year, with remaining deliveries completed by successors through 1844. This places the design at the close of U.S. flintlock martial pistol production. The pistol is fitted with a smoothbore 6-inch barrel, resulting in an overall length of approximately 12 inches. This is shorter than the standard 8.5-inch barrel commonly encountered on Model 1843 pistols, indicating a non-standard barrel length. No assertion is made as to whether this configuration is the result of period alteration, arsenal modification, or later change. Chambered for .54-caliber round ball and black powder, the pistol loads from the muzzle in typical flintlock fashion. Period-appropriate service loads generally consisted of a patched round ball over black powder, intended for close-range use by mounted troops. The flintlock side-lock action features a flat lockplate and brass flash pan; the frizzen is present, though the flint holder is missing, rendering the ignition system incomplete in its current state. The pistol is iron-mounted and stocked in American walnut, with a steel swivel ramrod beneath the barrel. It is fitted with a single trigger and basic iron sights, consisting of a blade front and notch rear. The pistol weighs approximately 2 pounds unloaded and was designed for one-handed operation. Condition is rough, reflecting heavy use and long-term storage. The barrel and lock exhibit significant surface rust and pitting. The flint holder is missing, affecting mechanical completeness. The walnut stock shows cracking and visible splits, along with numerous dents and handling marks. The bore is darkened; further cleaning would be required to assess internal condition. Please see the photographs for more details, or contact us at 907-570-7050 or email us at FFL@alaskapremierauctions.com / Admin@alaskapremierauctions.com to schedule an in-person preview of the firearm. ***All federal firearm background checks are conducted in-house, please allow pick-up times to reflect paperwork processing time (approx. 30-45 minutes).