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, and they moved the plant to Worcester, Mass. Ethan 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.

This is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here, and it comes complete with a fantastic custom wood case, which even still has the original key! The case measures approximately 10 1/2" x 6" x 2 1/8", and has different compartments inside, all velvet lined. Over time the clue holding these in place has degraded, so some are very loose, held in place by habit, but could probably be repaired if desired. Inside the case are all the accessories you would need for the pistol: a bullet mold, a brass powder flask, a wooden handled screwdriver, and even a brass tin of percussion caps, which originally had 100 inside, but now is probably only 1/3 full.

The pepperbox itself is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 3/8" overall with 3 1/2" barrels. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 381 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. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! Of note is that there is also assembly number 3 tamped on the bottom of the grip frame, the rear of the cylinder between the nipple cones, as well as on the inside of the trigger guard

The frame has lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the grip frame. This is however just a bit worn, as the overall condition of the metalwork shows past oxidation and cleaning. The tube hammer is stamped:

ALLEN'S PATENT

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

ALLEN & THURBER      WORCESTER

PATENTED     1837

CAST-STEEL

The company was known by various names over the years. From 1847 to 1854 it was known as Allen & Thurber (Worcester), so this pistol is from that period, before the patent renewal was granted. That probably puts production around 1847-48. It has the later style rounded flutes, similar to the later 1845 patent examples.

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, fully operational but NOT sold for firing. The metalwork overall shows a peppery patina, with areas of the original bluing still present, mainly on the cylinder flutes and on the tube hammer. There is some light powder burn around the hammer, but this is really a prime example compared to how we usually see these. The walnut grips have a lovely color with a great varnished finish, though we suspect they were refinished at some point.

A fantastic cased example of an interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, complete with all the usual accessories. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1847-48
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 3/8 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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