Item:
ON7296

Original U.S. 19th Century Allen & Thurber 1837 Patent Percussion Pepperbox Revolver

Item Description

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, and they moved the plant to Worcester, Mass. Ethan Allen, no relation to the Revolutionary Ethan Allen, applied for various patents, most notably early on for a "TUBE HAMMER" ignition system in 1837, which was renewed in 1845.

This is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The weapon is Six Shot in approximately 32 caliber measuring 7" overall with 3 1/2" barrels. The frame has light decorative engraving throughout, and the tube hammer is stamped:

ALLEN'S PATENT.
1837.

This example is further marked on the flats between the barrels with:

ALLEN & THURBER

WORCESTER

PATENTED      1837

CAST STEEL

The company was known by various names over the years. From 1847 to 1854 it was known as Allen & Thurber (Worcester), so this pistol is from that period, before the patent renewal was granted. That probably puts production around 1847-48.

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 a fair to good condition, fully operational but NOT sold for firing.

An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1847–1854
Caliber:  approx .32"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 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.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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