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 / Grinder of the time being a circle of round holes. Recently acquired at a military auction, this is an excellent condition American manufactured Pepperbox percussion pistol utilizing the 1849 patent of William W. Marston. Most of these were manufactured in New York by Sprague & Marston sometime between 1850 and 1859. It looks to have only seen light use, and is definitely the best example that we have ever had the pleasure of offering.

The frame is engraved with floral scrolls and light engraving on the back strap and other metalwork, including the flash guard around the cap nipple cones around the rear of the cylinder. The engraving is in great shape, and we can even see some of the original blued finish in the more protected areas. The lovely black walnut "bag" grips are held in place by a cross screw with keyed iron escutcheons.

The barrel cluster is in lovely condition, and the markings on the flats between the barrels are still clear, reading:-

The markings on the bar hammer are also still well preserved, with W. W. MARSTON on the top, with PATENT 1849 on the left and NEW·YORK on the right. The revolver is marked with serial number 46 under the grips, with 46A stamped on the rear of the cylinder and on the inside of the trigger guard. 46A is also written in pencil on the inside of both grip scales, making this a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out, and its a great one!

The revolver functions beautifully, properly indexing and dry firing when the hammer is pulled. There is no cylinder lock on this design, so the barrel can be spun freely, however there is a tension spring on the arbor pin that keeps it in place. We measured the bore, and it comes out to about 0.34-0.35", which is definitely larger than we are used to seeing. These are supposed to be mostly in .31", with some in 0.32", but this may have been a special order.

A very interesting example of a hard to find pepper box revolver in great condition, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1851
Caliber: .34"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 8 inches
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Action: Percussion Cap
Feed System: Breech-Loaded - 6 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.