{"product_id":"original-u-s-cased-allen-thurber-1837-patent-31cal-percussion-pepperbox-revolver-with-accessories-matching-serial-381","title":"Original U.S. Cased Allen \u0026 Thurber 1837 Patent .31cal Percussion Pepperbox Revolver with Accessories - Matching Serial 381","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 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 \u003cstrong\u003e10 1\/2\" x 6\" x 2 1\/8\"\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003e381\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003e\"ALL MATCHING\"\u003c\/strong\u003e example, with no parts swapped out over the years! Of note is that there is also assembly number \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\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 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALLEN'S PATENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThis example is further marked on the flutes between the barrels:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eALLEN \u0026amp; THURBER      WORCESTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENTED     1837\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCAST-STEEL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company was known by various names over the years. From 1847 to 1854 it was known as Allen \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthan 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1847-48\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .31\"\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Cap and Ball\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 3 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 7 3\/8 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":40557540474949,"sku":"ONJR23MAB042","price":2995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR23MAB042__04.jpg?v=1680913217","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-cased-allen-thurber-1837-patent-31cal-percussion-pepperbox-revolver-with-accessories-matching-serial-381","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}