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 8" overall with 4 1/4" barrels. This looks to have a custom barrel cluster which is 3/4 longer than most examples we see. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 233 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, however due to the wear on the cylinder we can no longer see any number or other markings. However we do not doubt that it is the original cylinder, which makes this a very nice "Mostly Matching" example, with no parts swapped out.

This example is definitely in "well used" condition, and this has removed almost all of the external markings, except for PATENT on the tube hammer. However the style of construction and mechanics are nearly identical to previous examples we have had, such as an earlier example we had, shown here: Serial 166. The small escutcheons on the grips and the curve of the grip are distinctive of the 1837 Patent Period of Allen & Thurber, when production was in 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 good well used condition, with a lovely patina of age, mostly operational but NOT sold for firing. The action is definitely finicky, sometime working without issue, while at other times it needs to be hand-rotated a few times before the tube hammer will properly actuate. The revolver shows overall surface wear from oxidation and subsequent cleaning. The original engraving on the frame and cap shield is mostly worn away, now showing a peppered patina. There are signs that it was nickel plated at one point, mainly on the bottom of the grip. The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. There are small silver escutcheons on both sides, which have not been marked.

This is really a very nice well used example, definitely one of the earlier examples we have seen out of all the "Allen Pepperbox" revolvers we've had. 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" - very worn out to about .33-.34"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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