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 Five Shot in .31 caliber measuring 6 1/4" overall with a 3" barrel cluster. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 664 is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, the grip frame, and the mainspring. There is also a somewhat worn 664 between the cap nipple cones on the cylinder. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years!

The relatively high serial number and reduced markings suggest later production, so this was probably made about 1860-1862, shortly before the U.S. Civil War. This later production example is definitely a bit more modern in design than those we usually see, without any of the "bank note" engraving on the frame, and no etched "flash guard" over the cap nipple cones. instead, the "tube hammer" has a longer head, and is also beveled on the top for weight reduction. We also noted that there are no markings on the inside of the trigger guard, as there would be previously.

The tube hammer dis still in great shape, showing only light oxidation, and the original patent marking is crisp:

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. 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 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 lovely aged patina, showing years of careful cleaning. The cylinder is also in great shape, still retaining lots of the original bluing, with wear around the ends from use. The walnut grips are in very good condition, showing a lovely color. They have been refinished, and there is a wood filler repair on the rear of the left scale.

A great example of an interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860-1862
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

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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.

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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.