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 with significant improvements to the design. In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and continued production. After Charles Thurber passed away in 1856, Ethan Allen later took into his business another brother-in-law, Thomas Wheelock, who worked with the company until 1865. As before, the company was known for its rotating cylinder/barrel revolvers.

This is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The weapon is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 1/4" overall with a 4" barrel cluster. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 669 is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, the grip frame, and the mainspring. There is also a faint 669 between the cap nipple cones on the cylinder. The trigger guard on this example has been removed, which would normally also have the serial number marked. This means that all the parts of this gun look to be original to it, making it a very nice "MATCHING" example.

The tube hammer definitely shows wear and oxidation on both sides, however the patent marking is still fully visible, though a bit faint:

There is also the company name marking between the barrel flutes:

The company was known by various names over the years. From 1856 to 1865 it was known as Allen & Wheelock (Worcester), so this pistol is from that period, after the patent renewal was granted. The relatively high serial number and reduced markings suggest later production, so this was probably made about 1862-1863, during the U.S. Civil War.

Later, his two Sons-in-law, Sullivan Forehand and Henry Wadsworth, 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, and accurate indexing. The metalwork overall shows a polished steel patina, with traces of past peppering that has been cleaned away. This example does not look to have had engraving on the frame, just on the flash guard, which is now relatively worn. The walnut grips are in very good condition, still retaining a lot of the original "piano varnish" finish.

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

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1862
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/4 inches
Action: Double Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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