Original U.S. Allen, Thurber & Co. 1845 Patent .31cal Percussion Pepperbox Revolver - Serial 130

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, originally setting up shop in Norwich, CT, which as a major gun making center at the time. They were one of the earliest makers of pistols in the city, and sources usually cite 1842 as when they began production, though some use 1835 as the start date.

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 with significant improvements to the design. During 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and in 1854 Thomas Wheelock, another of Allen's brothers-in-law, had joined the company, and it was rebranded as Allen, Thurber & Company.

This is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The weapon is Six Shot in approximately .32 caliber measuring 7 1/2" overall with 3 3/8" barrels. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 230 is stamped on the inside of both walnut grip scales, the right grip frame, and on the mainspring. This number is also stamped on the inside of the trigger guard, along with assembly number 2 on the inside of the trigger guard, which is also present on the right side of the grip frame. The markings on the cylinder are right by the cap nipple cones, and unfortunately have been completely eroded by powder burn, so this is a very nice "Mostly Matching" example, and we very much believe that the cylinder is original.

The frame on this example has some very nice decorative engraving on the side plates of the action and the flash guard, and is also still marked on the flutes between the barrels with:

ALLEN THURBER & CO. WORCESTER 

PATENTED
1845

There are no markings on the tube hammer, and how and where the company marked its guns varied widely from one example to the next. The company was known by various names over the years. From 1854 to 1856 it was known as Allen Thurber & Company (Worcester), so this pistol is from that period, which probably puts production 1855.

In 1856 Charles Thurber retired, and the company known as Allen & Wheelock came into existence. In 1865, after Wheelock's passing, Allen's two Sons-in-law, Sullivan Forehand and Henry Wadsworth joined the company, which returned to the name E. Allen & Company. These two 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 tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well, with the cylinder cycling correctly. There is overall oxidation and powder burn on the cylinder near the cap nipple cones, indicating relatively heavy use. The original finish is completely worn away, replaced with a lovely aged and peppered patina, with evidence of past cleaning to remove oxidation. The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. They still retain most of the original "piano varnish" finish used at the time.

An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1854–1856
Caliber:  approx .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 3/8 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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