{"product_id":"original-u-s-allen-thurber-co-1845-patent-31cal-percussion-pepperbox-revolver-with-walrus-ivory-grips-serial-371","title":"Original U.S. Allen, Thurber \u0026 Co. 1845 Patent .31cal Percussion Pepperbox Revolver with Walrus Ivory Grips  - Serial 371","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, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthan 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 \u0026amp; Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 \u003cstrong\u003e371 \u003c\/strong\u003eis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe frame has some very nice decorative engraving on the side plates of the action, and the tube hammer is stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALLEN'S PATENT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1845.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is also marked on the flats between the barrels with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALLEN THURBER \u0026amp; CO.            \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWORCESTER\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company was known by various names over the years. From 1854 to 1856 it was known as Allen Thurber \u0026amp; Company (Worcester), so this pistol is from that period, which probably puts production around 1855.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1856 Charles Thurber retired, and the company known as Allen \u0026amp; 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 \u0026amp; 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.\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. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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 1854–1856\u003cbr\u003eCaliber:  approx .32\"\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Cap and Ball\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 3 1\/2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 7 1\/4 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40235017076805,"sku":"ONJR22RAJ028","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR22RAJ028__01.jpg?v=1659739704","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-allen-thurber-co-1845-patent-31cal-percussion-pepperbox-revolver-with-walrus-ivory-grips-serial-371","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}