J.S. Mosby Antiques & Artifacts
Updated
3/19/2026
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The US Model 1836 single-shot martial pistol converted from flintlock to percussion was manufactured by Robert Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut. The Model 1836 was the last flintlock pistol contracted by the US government which is a distinguishing characteristic. It was standard issue and saw use in the Seminole Wars, the Mexican War, and were converted to percussion for the Civil War.
Johnson produced some 41,000 of these very sturdy and effective pistols from 1836 through 1844. According to Flayderman, "many collectors regard this as the best made, most attractive, and best performing of all US military flint handguns."
The firearm is a 14" long, .54 calibre, smoothbore muzzleloader with 8 1/2" round barrel, walnut stock, with iron mountings. The casehardened lockplate is flat with beveled edges forward of the hammer and tapered to convex at its rear. Oval shaped rear sight on the barrel tang, brass blade front sight.
This example bears Johnson's mark; "US/ R. Johnson / Middn Conn / 1843" on the lockplate in front of the hammer. Stamped in small letters on the upper barrel at the breech are "US / P / RH” but barely decipherable due to use. The inspector's cartouche is clearly visible on the flat portion of the stock opposite the hammer. It is fully functional with clean bore.
There is a thin, vertical crack on the stock below the barrel and a small chip near the base of the ramrod channel, but otherwise good condition. The ramrod is the steel swivel type with button head. All original parts. The mottled barrel shows pitting conducive to extensive use. This pistol "saw the elephant" in American service yet survived in working condition.
If you have ordered an antique weapon or artifact from our website please be advised that these guns are sold strictly as collectible antiques. Nccivilwarrelics.com recommends that these relics and weapons be enjoyed and appreciated for their historical significance and not ever fired. By ordering you are acknowledging these facts, warnings and assume full responsibility for your personal actions with regard to them.
We DO NOT sell modern guns, all our inventory will be pre 1898 and are classified by the (ATF) Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms as antiques and require no government paperwork to own.