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 / Grinder 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" overall with 3 ½" barrels, which is the typical size we see. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 103 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 between the cap nipples (faint). That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! This is a very early example, and does not have the usual "assembly numbers" on seen later.

The frame was made with lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the grip frame. The finish now is somewhat worn, which has made the engraving faint, and there is some evidence of past peppering on the flash guard and other areas. 

The tube hammer is stamped on both the top and side with markings:

ALLEN'S PATENT

ALLEN & THURBER
NORWICH C-T.

The company was known by various names over the years. From 1842 to 1847 it was known as Allen & Thurber (Norwich), so this pistol is from that period, before the move to Worcester in 1847. The company would then operate as Allen & Thurber (Worcester) until 1854. The shape of the pistol grip has a very angled curve where it meets the receiver, which is CLASSIC Norwich Period. It has the correct small escutcheons on the grips as well. We estimate that this pistol was probably produced around 1843-4.

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. It looks to possibly at some point have been nickel plated, most of which is now missing. The action works great, with good cylinder indexing and smooth cycling. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well. The metalwork overall shows a gray steel patina, with areas of peppering, the original blued finish completely worn away. There is not much powder burn around the cap nipple cones, so it does not look to have been used extensively.

The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. There are small silver escutcheons on both sides, and and the original factory varnish is completely worn away, with the wood now showing a lovely warm glow. This is really a very nice example, with some great display potential.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1843-4
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 ½ inches
Overall Length: 7 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: 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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required

Stored and shipped from our PA location; not available in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Please check all local laws before ordering.