Original item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting U.S. Underhammer Percussion Pepperbox revolver, which were given their name due to the muzzle's resemblance to a pepper boxes / pots / grinders used at the time. Showing a lovely peppered patina, it features a 3 ½" long barrel cluster in approximately 0.31" caliber, and measures approximately 7 ½" in overall length.

Unlike almost every percussion pepperbox we see, this example is in SINGLE action, and has a double trigger system on the bottom, somewhat similar in function to the Savage revolvers used by the U.S. during the Civil war. The forward "trigger" is in fact the hammer, and when it is cocked it advances the cylinder to the next position. The rear trigger then discharges the front hammer. A very interesting design that would have allowed a bit more accuracy when needed, though possibly at the expense of firing speed. Made around 1845, revolvers such as these were popular around the world, intended for personal protection. With an underhammer design, the revolver had nothing that could easily catch on clothing, making it a great weapon for keeping in a coat pocket.

The revolver looks to originally have had floral engraving on the flash guard and frame, however it now shows much use, so the original engravings are now faint. We were not able to find any maker markings or proof marks, but it is possible that they were worn away over the years. Removing the grips shows that it is marked with serial number 35 on the frame, mainspring, trigger spring, and on the inside of the right grip scale (the left is usually unmarked on U.S. Pepperboxes). It also is marked 35 on the rear of the barrel cluster between the cap nipple cones, which makes this a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years!

The pistol is in very good shape, showing a lovely aged patina overall. The wooden grip scales are in very good condition, and still look to have the original factory varnish present, which shows some small scrapes and dents. The revolver cycles correctly, however there does not appear to be any provision for a cylinder lock, so the cylinder can be turned when it is at full cock, however it has some very nice detents so it is not really able to index incorrectly when used normally. All of the original 6 cap nipple cones are present,  showing oxidation and fouling from use.

A very nice patinated example of a very interesting single action U.S. Underhammer Percussion Pepperbox revolver, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1845
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap & Ball
Overall Length: 7 ½ inches
Barrel Length: 3 ½ inches
Action: Single Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver with Turn Off barrels

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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.