{"product_id":"original-u-s-allen-thurber-1837-patent-31cal-percussion-pepperbox-revolver-serial-25","title":"Original U.S. Allen \u0026 Thurber 1837 Patent .31cal Percussion Pepperbox Revolver - Serial 25","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The weapon is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 3\/8\" overall with 3 1\/2\" barrels. Removal of the grips shows that serial number \u003cstrong\u003e25\u003c\/strong\u003e is stamped on the inside of the right grip scale, the grip frame, and the mainspring. This number is also stamped on the inside of the trigger guard, as well as on the cylinder between the cap nipples. Only the left grip scale is unmarked, as it looks to have been replaced. While not quite \"All Matching\", this is definitely close, and has not had any major functional parts swapped out over the years. Of note is that there is also assembly number \u003cstrong\u003e8\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped on the bottom of the grip frame, as well as on the inside of the trigger guard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe frame has lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the grip frame. This is however a bit worn, as the overall condition of the metalwork shows past oxidation and cleaning. The tube hammer is stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALLEN'S PATENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThis example is further marked on the flats between the barrels, though the markings are faint due to cleaning:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALLEN \u0026amp; THURBER      WORCESTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENTED     1837      CAST-STEEL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company was known by various names over the years. From 1847 to 1854 it was known as Allen \u0026amp; Thurber (Worcester), so this pistol is from that period, before the patent renewal was granted. That probably puts production around 1847-48.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthan 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pepperbox is in very good used condition, with a lovely patina of age, fully operational but NOT sold for firing. The metalwork overall shows a peppery patina, with some past pitting cleaned away. This has removed almost all of the original blued finish, making the markings and engraving on the frame a bit faint. There is also a bit of powder burn around the cap nipples and on the tube hammer, as to be expected. The walnut grips have a lovely color, with the left grip being a replacement. They do not have any of the original varnished present, and show wear and damage consistent with long service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice example of an interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to add to your collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1847-48\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .31\"\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Cap and Ball\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 3 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 7 3\/8 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Double Action Only\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 6 Shot Revolver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40545850785861,"sku":"ONJR23MAB052","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR23MAB052__12.jpg?v=1679715979","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-allen-thurber-1837-patent-31cal-percussion-pepperbox-revolver-serial-25","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}