Original item: One of a Kind. Over the years, IMA has purchased many collections and groups of antique guns, in which case we need to take all of them, as we did in Nepal. While these collections were generally full of guns that relatively good condition, they also had some that were less complete and unfortunately would take more restoration time than we were able to give them. We kept them in storage, possibly for future products, but have now decided to offer these "As Found" antique firearms to our customers as restoration projects. These are all original and as we received them, except for cleaning the dirt and grime off the exterior.

Please note that these are still real antique guns, and are being sold in "As is" condition at a significant discount from what they would sell at if we were to fully restore them. We will do our best to photograph and describe them and know that our customers will know exactly what they are getting. Some of these, such as this example, look to have possibly been project or parts guns, and are missing a significant amount of parts. These are being sold in "Grade 2" condition, and on these ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

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 submitted for renewal in 1845.

In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and this is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The pepperbox itself is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 1/2" overall with 3 1/2" barrels. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 222 is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, and the grip frame. This number is also stamped on the inside of the trigger guard, as well as on the cylinder (faint) between the cap nipples. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

The frame has lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the grip frame. The tube hammer is stamped:

ALLEN'S PATENT

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

ALLEN & THURBER      WORCESTER

PATENTED     1837     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.

Condition Notes:
- Overall condition shows oxidation on the metalwork, but no major rust.
- Pepperbox is currently non functional, as the main spring will not stay in position.
- Engraving and markings are well retained, and the grip scales are really in great shape.

A nice Grade 2 "As Found" example of an interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to add to your collection! This could be the start of a great restoration project, or parts for another!

Please make sure to look at all the high resolution (2000x2000) pictures before purchasing, as ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1845-6
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches
Action: Double Action 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.