Original Item: Only One Available. Pepperbox revolvers were so named because of the similarity of the front view of the weapon was so reminiscent of a Pepper Pot of the time being a circle of round holes. This example was made by Ethan Allen of Massachusetts (1808-1871). Allen developed his Gun business by taking his brother-in-law Charles Thurber as his partner, originally setting up shop in Norwich, CT, which as a major gun making center at the time. They were one of the earliest makers of pistols in the city, and sources usually cite 1842 as when they began production, though some use 1835 as the start date. Ethan Allen, no relation to the Revolutionary Ethan Allen, had applied for various patents, most notably early on for a "TUBE HAMMER" ignition system in 1837, which was renewed in 1845.

In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and this is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The pepperbox itself is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 ½" overall with 3 ½" barrels, which is the typical size we see. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 402 is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, the grip frame, and the mainspring. This number is also stamped on the inside of the trigger guard, as well as on the cylinder between the cap nipples. We did have the action open for a bit, and 402 is stamped on virtually all of the internal components. There is also assembly number 2 stamped on the cylinder between the cap nipples, on the right side of the grip frame, and on the inside of the trigger guard. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years!

The frame has lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the grip frame. The tube hammer is stamped:

ALLEN'S PATENT

This example is further marked on the flutes between the barrels (partly rusted away) with:

ALLEN & THURBER      WORCESTER

PATENTED    1837    CAST-STEEL

The company was known by various names over the years, and is identified by the markings on the cylinder. We estimate that this pistol was probably produced around 1843-1845, before the patent was renewed, early in the production after the move to Worcester. Ethan Allen later took into his business another brother-in-law, Thomas Wheelock, and later his two Sons-in-law, Sullivan Forehand and Henry Wadsworth, who continued the business after Ethan Allen's death in 1871. Most interesting that all these names have become an integral part of the U.S. arms industry.

The Pepperbox is in very good used condition, with a lovely patina of age, fully operational as best we can tell, but NOT sold for firing. The action functions correctly, with a good cylinder lockup and a crisp dry fire. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well. The cylinder / barrel assembly is really in very nice shape, with the original blued finish faded to a lovely dark gray steel patina, as with the rest of the metalwork. The action still shows clear details on the engraving, something we almost never see, and there is even much still present on the recoil shield! There is some powder burn around the cap nipples and on the tube hammer, as to be expected.

The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. The grips look like they were most likely re-varnished at some point, which itself has now partly worn away. This is really a very nice example of an "Allen Pepperbox" revolver, with lovely markings.

A lovely example of an interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1843-5
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 ½ inches
Overall Length: 7 ½ inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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