Original U.S. Allen & Thurber of Worcester 1837 Patent .31cal Percussion Pepperbox Revolver - Serial 7

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the unusual system known as the "PEPPERBOX". They were so named because the muzzle is similar in appearance to the business end of a Pepper Pot from the the early days of Queen Victoria: 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, had applied for various patents, most notably early on for a "TUBE HAMMER" ignition system in 1837, which was renewed in 1845.

In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and this is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The pepperbox itself is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 5/8" overall with 3 3/8" barrels, which is the typical size we see. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 7 is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, the grip frame, and the mainspring. This number is also stamped on the cylinder between the cap nipples. There are not any assembly numbers that we would see on a higher serial number example, and there are no markings on the trigger guard, so it may be a replacement or was cleaned aggressively. This is very desirable "Mostly Matching" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years.

The frame has lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the back of the grip frame. The tube hammer is stamped:

ALLEN'S PATENT

This example is further marked on the flats between the barrels with:

ALLEN & THURBER      WORCESTER

PATENTED    1837    CAST-STEEL

The company was known by various names over the years, and is identified by the markings on the cylinder. We estimate that this pistol was probably produced around 1847-1848, before the patent renewal was processed, VERY early in the production after the move to Worcester. 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 as best we can tell, but NOT sold for firing. It has been cleaned multiple times over the years, which has given it a lovely light gray patina, with some evidence of past peppering in a few areas. The action functions great, with accurate indexing and a crisp dry fire. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we can see from revolvers of this age. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well. The cylinder / barrel assembly is really in very nice shape, with the stamping still fully legible and the edges relatively sharp. The action still shows clear details on the engraving, something we almost never see, and there is even much still present on the recoil shield! There is some light powder burn around the cap nipples and on the tube hammer, as to be expected.

The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. They have been cleaned repeatedly, which has removed all of the original finish, and there is a small chunk missing below the screw fitting on the right side. This is really a very nice example of an "Allen Pepperbox" revolver, with lovely markings.

A lovely example of an interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1847-8
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 3/8 inches
Overall Length: 7 5/8 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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