Original Item: Only One Available. This is a truly lovely example of the unusual system known as the "PEPPERBOX". They were so named because the muzzle is similar in appearance to the business end of a Pepper Pot from the the early days of Queen Victoria: a circle of round holes. All six barrels are contained in one solid "tube" or cylinder of steel revolving as a unit. The system was quickly superseded with the design of the traditional revolver, using a rotating chamber and a single barrel in the 1840-1850s. Pepper boxes as such were short lived with the possible exception in France and Belgium, where examples using the Pin Fire and Rimfire systems were made into the late 1870's.

Our example is a somewhat unusual but distinctive design, and does not have any maker markings, serial number, or proof marks present. The style of the cap loading cutaway and cylinder however indicate production by Blunt & Syms of New York City circa 1850. Orison Blunt patented a pepperbox design, U.S. patent number 6966, dated 25 December 1849, which was a double action "underhammer" design where the bottom barrel was fired. The firm made these in small, medium, and large frame sizes, with production running through the 1850s.

The Blunt & Syms design is nearly identical to those made in England under the patent held by John Rock Cooper, who had patented this design in 1843, and remained in business until 1853. Blunt had apparently had patent issues with Ethan Allen previously regarding his pepperboxes, so may have decided to work on a design more like the Cooper. Most other pepperboxes use a hammer that strikes a cap nipple cone on the side of the cylinder, but these have the nipples on the rear. There are some other underhammer designs, but these usually use two triggers.

The complete lack of identifiable markings would have made it impossible for any possible patent litigation to be delivered, and it was virtually impossible to retail a gun in England without proof marks, so this is definitely an American-made gun. It features an engraved steel frame, with a cylinder assembly that has lovely machined straps between each barrel. There is additional engraving around the frame of the "bag" shaped grip. This is definitely a high quality upmarket example, with with Blunt & Syms were referred to as "Fancy" or "High Grade", most likely originally blued on the cylinder and case hardened on the frame, though the original finish has mostly worn away. We checked the action, and the revolver is fully functional, with a crisp dry fire.

The revolver is fitted with fantastic aged ivory grips with the grain visible, and there is some age cracking around the fittings for the securing screw, just like we love to see. There are no chunks missing or structural cracks present, and the color is a lovely amber color. We can see clear "Schreger's Lines" on the bottom and sides of the grips, which are only seen on real ivory.

The Pepper box is exactly what a Riverboat Gambler might have concealed in his Coat pocket to deal with people angry at his "luck" at the tables. Nicely engraved decoration, and a fantastic look.

A great example with a lovely patina of age and fantastic ivory grips, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx .31" smoothbore
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches
Action: Double Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.