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.

This is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here, and it has some interesting characteristics. The pepperbox itself is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 3/4" overall with 4" barrels. This looks to have a custom barrel cluster which is 1/2 longer than most examples we see. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 166 is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, the grip frame, and the mainspring. 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 parts swapped out over the years! This is a great example, and also one of the lowest serial numbered examples that we have had!

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
1837

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

ALLEN & THURBER      CAST-STEEL

The company was known by various names over the years, and is usually identified by the markings on the cylinder. However, this cylinder is only marked with "Allen & Thurber", with no address indicated. We believe that this revolver is from the 1842 to 1847 period, when it was known as Allen & Thurber (Norwich), before the move to Worcester in 1847. The company would then operate as Allen & Thurber (Worcester) until 1854. We estimate that this pistol was probably produced around 1846. Of note is the shape of the pistol grip, which in the Norwich Period had a much less smooth curve, resulting in a somewhat shorter revolver. We believe that the longer barrel cluster was a custom order, and as such did not have the usual markings on it. Everything about the revolver is completely correct, and see no signs that this was some type of later modification.

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 very good used condition, with a lovely patina of age, mostly operational but NOT sold for firing. The action is a bit stiff due to a strong mainspring, but otherwise it functions correctly, with a good cylinder lockup. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well. The cylinder / barrel assembly is really in very nice shape, with the original blued finish faded to a lovely polished gray steel patina. The action still shows clear details on the engraving, something we almost never see, and there is even some still present on the recoil shield. There is definitely powder burn around the cap nipples and on the tube hammer, as to be expected.

The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. There are small silver escutcheons on both sides, and they still look to have a lot of the original factory varnish present. This is really a very nice example, one of the earliest we've seen out of all the "Allen Pepperbox" revolvers we've had, with lovely markings.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1845-6
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7 3/4 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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