Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very desirable large frame .36 caliber Allen & Thurber Dragoon pepperbox revolver, manufactured at Worcester, Massachusetts, during the early years of the firm's production there, circa 1847-1850. Serial number 151 is found on numerous major components, and the pistol measures approximately 10" overall with a substantial 5 1/4" six barrel cluster. Considerably larger and heavier than the more commonly encountered pocket size Allen pepperboxes, these .36 caliber examples are traditionally known to collectors as the Dragoon size. This example also retains its engraved frame and nipple shield, distinctive bar or tube hammer, spurred trigger guard, walnut grips, and early `PATENTED 1837 CAST-STEEL` barrel marking.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The pepperbox was one of the most successful American repeating handgun designs before the widespread adoption of the conventional revolving cylinder pistol. Instead of a single barrel aligned with a rotating cylinder, the pepperbox used an entire cluster of loaded barrels rotating around a central axis. The circular arrangement of the muzzles gave the type its enduring nickname, from its resemblance to the perforated top of a pepper pot. Ethan Allen became one of America's best known manufacturers of the form, and Allen pepperboxes were among the most popular multishot handguns in the United States during the 1830s and 1840s.

Ethan Allen began his firearms career in Massachusetts and entered partnership with his brother in law Charles T. Thurber under the name Allen & Thurber. Production moved to Norwich, Connecticut, in 1842 and then to Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1847. The Allen & Thurber name remained in use at Worcester until the mid 1850s, after which the organization and trade names changed again as other members of the extended Allen family became involved in the business.

This example belongs to the large .36 caliber class traditionally identified by collectors as the Dragoon pepperbox. It is a six shot pistol measuring approximately:

10" overall
5 1/4" barrel cluster
Approximately .36 caliber

The large frame, substantial barrel cluster, and spurred trigger guard give it a noticeably more imposing appearance than the smaller .28 and .31 caliber pocket pepperboxes. Documented Worcester Dragoon examples are likewise encountered in .36 caliber with six barrel clusters, and the size is regarded as one of the more desirable variants of the Allen pepperbox family.

Removal of the grips reveals serial number:

151

stamped on the inside of both walnut grip scales, the grip frame, and the mainspring. The same number is also present on the barrel cluster between the percussion nipples and on the inside of the trigger guard. The extensive repetition of the number across these components is a particularly attractive feature and indicates that the major inspected numbered parts remain together.

The bar hammer is marked:

ALLEN'S PATENT

while the surviving barrel marking is worn but still shows:

1837    CAST-STEEL

The complete Worcester marking on pistols of this general type normally reads:

ALLEN & THURBER      WORCESTER
PATENTED    1837    CAST-STEEL

On this example, long use and repeated cleaning have reduced much of the shallow barrel lettering, leaving only portions readily legible. The 1837 patent date continued to appear on later Allen pepperboxes and should not be interpreted as the manufacturing year of the pistol. The Worcester identification places its production no earlier than 1847.

The frame was originally extensively decorated, including scroll and foliate engraving on the side plates, nipple or flash shield, and rear portion of the grip frame. Much of this decoration has been softened through age, handling, and repeated cleaning, although portions remain clearly visible, particularly on the flash shield and in the deeper engraved areas of the frame. Engraved frames were characteristic of the large Worcester Dragoon pepperboxes and add considerably to the visual appeal of this example.

The pistol has developed an attractive mottled gray and brown patina overall, with scattered evidence of old peppering and light oxidation that has since been cleaned. The metal surfaces show the honest smoothing and wear expected from a handgun approaching two centuries of age. The bar hammer remains intact and the barrel cluster and frame retain an appealing, evenly aged appearance.

The double action mechanism remains operational during careful manual inspection. Pulling the trigger operates the bar hammer and rotating barrel mechanism, although the action is quite stiff and requires a strong trigger pull. The hammer falls with a crisp dry fire and the mechanism appears to index during operation. As with any firearm of this age, these observations describe only its present mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as an indication that it is safe to load or discharge.

The walnut grip panels have an attractive dark aged color and display considerable period handling wear. Most or all of the glossy original finish normally encountered on these grips has worn away. There are several small chips along the left grip where it meets the frame, but we do not see major cracking or other significant structural loss. Their matching internal serial numbers are a particularly desirable surviving detail.

With its imposing .36 caliber Dragoon size, six shot 5 1/4" barrel cluster, low matching serial number 151 on numerous components, early Worcester production characteristics, surviving 1837 patent marking, engraved frame and flash shield, spurred trigger guard, and functional double action mechanism, this is an especially appealing example of Ethan Allen's famous American pepperbox. It represents an important stage in the development of the practical repeating handgun immediately before Colt style revolvers came to dominate the American market, making it an excellent addition to a collection of early American repeating arms, Allen & Thurber firearms, percussion revolvers, or antebellum handguns.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Maker: Allen & Thurber of Worcester
Serial No.: 151
Caliber: .36"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 ¼ inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.