Original U.S. Allen's 1845 Patent Single Shot Percussion Boot Pistol circa 1850 - Matching Serial 527

Original Items: Only Pair Available. This is a lovely single shot percussion "boot pistol", made circa 1840 for the U.S. Market 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 with significant improvements to the design. In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and as before manufactured many quality pepperbox pistols.

However, they still produced many other firearms throughout their history, such as this smart single shot percussion "boot" pistol, one of the smallest types produced. Our offered example measures approximately 4 7/8 inches long with a 2 1/8 inch long barrel, and was intended to fit in the side of a boot, or in a very small pocket. The pistol is the classic "boxlock" action design, and the "tube hammer" is marked on the left side with:

PATENTED
APRIL 16. 1845

Neither the company name nor "Allen" appear on the pistol, however this is the exact date of the Allen patent, so it is definitely one made by Allen's company, which was known by various names over the years. From 1842 to 1854 it was known as Allen & Thurber, and had operated in both Norwich, CT and Worcester, MA. As there is no location marking, there is no way to tell exactly where it was made. It does have the more angled curve to the grip typical of the Norwich era, however the 1845 patent date makes that impossible. Definitely some interesting potential for further research.

Ethan Allen later took into his business another brother-in-law, Thomas Wheelock, in 1854, when the company would be come Allen, Thurber & Co. and then Allen & Wheelock once Thurber retired in 1856. 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 would then continue 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 pistol has a "turn-off" barrel in approximately .28-.30" Caliber, however as with most we see, the barrel joint is seized. It is marked with serial number 527 on the bottom of the barrel, on the frame under the grip, on the mainspring, and on the inside of both grips. This makes this a lovely "ALL MATCHING" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

The pistol features lovely bag-style walnut grip plates, which are quite attractive, still retaining much of the original varnish. There are no chunks missing, though the right side grip scale has a crack running down from the screw fitting to the bottom. The pistol does not have a trigger guard, however examining the frame shows that it did have one at one point, but it is was removed for some reason. The condition is very good considering the age, and it shows a very nice lightly oxidized patina patina over the frame and action. It functions correctly, and the bore is in good shape, though it has surface oxidation. There is also marring to the barrel from attempts to free the seized barrel in the past.

A lovely Allen's Patent percussion pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1845
Caliber:  approx .30"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 2 1/8 inches
Overall Length: 4 7/8 inches
Action: Percussion Double Action
Feed System: Single Shot

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.