Item Description
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, 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. During 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and in 1854 Thomas Wheelock, another of Allen's brothers-in-law, had joined the company, and it was rebranded as Allen, Thurber & Company.
This is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The weapon is Six Shot in approximately .32 caliber measuring 7 1/4" overall with 3 1/2" barrels. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 371 is stamped on the inside of both walrus ivory grip scales, the grip frame, and the mainspring. This number is also stamped on the inside of the trigger guard. Due to wear we were not able to find any markings on the cylinder. However we feel that this is almost certainly an "all matching" example, and hasn't been messed with.
The frame has some very nice decorative engraving on the side plates of the action, and the tube hammer is stamped:
ALLEN'S PATENT.
1845.
This example is also marked on the flats between the barrels with:
ALLEN THURBER & CO. WORCESTER
The company was known by various names over the years. From 1854 to 1856 it was known as Allen Thurber & Company (Worcester), so this pistol is from that period, which probably puts production around 1855.
In 1856 Charles Thurber retired, and the company known as Allen & Wheelock came into existence. In 1865, after Wheelock's passing, Allen's two Sons-in-law, Sullivan Forehand and Henry Wadsworth joined the company, which returned to the name E. Allen & Company. These two 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, fully operational but NOT sold for firing. There is overall oxidation and powder burn on the frame and barrel, which has made the markings and engraving somewhat faint. The walrus ivory grips have a lovely color, with checking and cracking due to age, just how we like to see them. It's very rare that we find a revolver with matching factory ivory grips installed, and they have a look only acquired after decades of use.
An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to add to your collection!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1854–1856
Caliber: approx .32"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/4 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
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