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 began production of similar pistols, though they changed the angle of the grip to be more gradual. As before they made double action pepperbox revolvers, as well as some single shot pistols using the "Tube Hammer". However, they also made a small number of "Shotgun Hammer" pepperbox pistols, which featured a single action curved hammer and cylinder that was turned by hand. These are extremely scarce, and there is not much information on them. We have heard that possibly only 200 or so were ever made, in various configurations.

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. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 2 is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, the right side of 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. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! This is a lovely example, and also one of the lowest serial numbers we have sever seen!

The frame has lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the grip frame. This example is marked on the straps between the barrels with:

ALLEN & THURBER      WORCESTER

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, mostly operational but NOT sold for firing. The hammer functions correctly, and does not have any provision for a half cock position. The cylinder is rotated by hand, and has a tension washer at the front to keep it from revolving by itself. The cylinder / barrel assembly is really in very nice shape, with much of the original blued finish still present, with wear near the front as expected. 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, which actually still retains some bluing on the lower side! There is some light powder burn around the cap nipples and on the hammer, as to be expected.

The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. The original factory "piano varnish" is completely worn away, but both now have a lovely look with great grain. This is really a very nice example of an "Allen Pepperbox" revolver, with lovely markings.

A lovely example of a very scarce and interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to add to your collection! We are unlikely to have another "shotgun hammer" Allen pepperbox anytime soon, so this is your chance!

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: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver - Hand turned

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.