{"product_id":"original-u-s-allen-thurber-of-worcester-1845-patent-large-36cal-dragoon-percussion-pepperbox-revolver-serial-57","title":"Original U.S. Allen \u0026 Thurber of Worcester 1845 Patent Large .36cal Dragoon Percussion Pepperbox Revolver - Serial 57","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 \/ 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and this is the type exhibited on our example here, which has some very interesting characteristics! The majority of these were produced in .31 caliber, which resulted in a nice pocket sized pepperbox, however this is the rare LARGE version in .36 caliber, known as the rare Dragoon Model! It is a six shot pepperbox, measuring 10\" overall with a 5 ¼\" barrel cluster, which is definitely substantially larger than any .31 caliber example we have had. The frame is also larger, and it is overall more robust in construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemoval of the grips shows that serial number \u003cb\u003e57\u003c\/b\u003e is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, the grip frame, and the mainspring. This number is also stamped on the cylinder between the cap nipples. The trigger guard was replaced at some point, so it does not have the serial number marked on it, but this is definitely a very nice \"Mostly Matching\" example!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe frame has lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the back of the grip frame. The tube hammer is stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALLEN'S PATENT\u003cbr\u003e1845\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThis example is further marked on the flats between the barrels with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALLEN \u0026amp; THURBER      WORCESTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 1850, before the patent was renewed and new stamps made, several years after the move to Worcester.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthan Allen later took into his business another brother-in-law, Thomas Wheelock, and after that 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pepperbox is in very good used condition, with a lovely patina of age, fully operational as best we can tell, but NOT sold for firing. It still retains a good amount of the original finish on the cylinder, now faded to a gray color, and the frame and recoil shield show a lovely matte gray patina from age and cleaning. There is a bit of past peppering on the flash guard, but the engraving is still visible, as is the engraving on the rest of the frame. The action functions, however the hand is worn and the spring weak, so it often does not engage the ratchet, unless the revolver is pointed downwards. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well, with a crisp dry fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear, but no major damage such as cracks or ships. They still retain most of the original \"piano varnish\" finish, with some wear and staining in areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is really a very nice example of a rare LARGE SIZE \"Allen Pepperbox\" Dragoon revolver. A lovely example of an 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 1850\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .36\"\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Cap and Ball\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 5 ¼ inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 10 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42638132248645,"sku":"ONJR25MAMD037","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25MAMD037__01.jpg?v=1744060050","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-allen-thurber-of-worcester-1845-patent-large-36cal-dragoon-percussion-pepperbox-revolver-serial-57","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}