U.S. Army Model 1862 Percussion Signal Pistol, circa 1862
Add to SetSummary
In 1859, inventor and entrepreneur Martha Coston was granted a patent for her pyrotechnic night signal and code system. During the Civil War, Coston's flares allowed ships in the Union Navy to effectively communicate with each other at night, strengthening military coordination. New York gun manufacturer William Marston produced this signal pistol to exclusively fire Coston's multiple colored signal flare.
In 1859, inventor and entrepreneur Martha Coston was granted a patent for her pyrotechnic night signal and code system. During the Civil War, Coston's flares allowed ships in the Union Navy to effectively communicate with each other at night, strengthening military coordination. New York gun manufacturer William Marston produced this signal pistol to exclusively fire Coston's multiple colored signal flare.
Artifact
Flare pistol
Date Made
circa 1862
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
79.27.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Brass (Alloy)
Iron (Metal)
Walnut (Wood)
Dimensions
Length: 6.125 in
Height: 5.5 in
Width: 1.375 in
Inscriptions
Stamped on butt of pistol: U.S. ARMY SIGNAL PISTOL 1862 A.J.M.
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