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 / Grinder of the time being a circle of round holes. This example is not maker marked, at all, and there are also no proof marks of any type, indicating U.S. production. There were no proof houses for commercial guns like there were in Europe, and also no requirements for markings unless they were imported into Europe. It is made very much in the style of the pepperboxes produced by Ethan Allen in various partnerships during the 1840s - 1860s, but is definitely not made by one of his companies. His "tube hammer" was patented, so leaving off markings would forestall any litigation.

The weapon is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 6 1/4" overall with a 3" barrel cluster. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 243 stamped on the left side of the grip frame and on the main spring. This same number is also stamped on the barrel cluster between the cap nipple cones, on the inside of the trigger guard, and on the inside of BOTH walnut grip scales. That makes this a lovely "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! Aside from the serial numbers, there are no other markings whatsoever.

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, and accurate indexing. The metalwork is in great shape, with the barrel cluster retaining much of the original blued finish, while the frame and action have a lovely mottled patina, with just a bit of peppering in areas. There is some lovely foliate engraving on the sides of the action and back of the grip, which are definitely not the same pattern used by Allen. It has some lovely walnut grips, which still have the original "piano varnish" finish very well retained.

An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1855-1865
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6 1/4 inches
Action: Double Only
Feed System: 5 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.