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.

In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and this is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The pepperbox itself is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 ¼" overall with 3 ¼" barrels. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 83 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. There is also assembly number 3 stamped on the cylinder between the cap nipples, on the right side of the grip frame, and on the inside of the trigger guard. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! This is a lovely example, and also one of the lower serial numbered examples that we have had!

The frame has lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the grip frame. The tube hammer is stamped:

ALLEN'S PATENT

This example is further marked on the flutes between the barrels with:

ALLEN & THURBER      WORCESTER

PATENTED    1837    CAST-STEEL

The company was known by various names over the years, and is identified by the markings on the cylinder. We estimate that this pistol was probably produced around 1843-1845, before the patent was renewed, early in the production after the move to Worcester. 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. The action functions correctly, with a good cylinder lockup and a crisp dry fire. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well. The cylinder / barrel assembly is really in very nice shape, with the original blued finish faded to a lovely polished gray steel patina, and even a little bit of original bluing. The action still shows clear details on the engraving, something we almost never see, and there is even much still present on the recoil shield, which actually still retains the bluing on the lower side! There is some light powder burn around the cap nipples and on the tube hammer, as to be expected.

The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. The original factory "piano varnish" is completely worn away, and the left grip shows some water and rust staining from use. This is really a very nice example of an "Allen Pepperbox" revolver, with lovely markings.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1843-5
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/4 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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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.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required

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