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, had applied for various patents, most notably early on for a "TUBE HAMMER" ignition system in 1837, which was renewed in 1845.

This is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here, and it comes complete with a fantastic custom wood case, which even still has the original key! The case measures approximately 9 1/4" x 5 1/4" x 2", and has different compartments inside, all velvet lined, with velvet padding on the inner lid. The dividers are all still held firmly in place. Inside the case are all the accessories you would need for the pistol: a bullet mold, a brass powder flask with storage compartments in the bottom, a wooden handled screwdriver, and even a paper container of percussion caps, which originally had 100 inside, but now is probably only 1/3 full.

The pepperbox itself is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7" overall with 3 1/2" barrels. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 181 is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, the grip frame, and the mainspring. This number is also stamped on the inside of the trigger guard, as well as on the cylinder (faint) between the cap nipples. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! This is a great example, and also the second earliest production example that we have had!

The frame has lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even 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

NORWICH C-T.

PATENTED     1837      CAST-STEEL

The company was known by various names over the years. From 1842 to 1847 it was known as Allen & Thurber (Norwich), so this pistol is from that period, before the move to Worcester in 1847. The company would then operate as Allen & Thurber (Worcester) until 1854. We estimate that this pistol was probably produced around 1846. Of note is the shape of the pistol grip, which in the Norwich Period had a much less smooth curve, resulting in a somewhat shorter revolver.

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, mostly operational but NOT sold for firing. The action is a bit stiff, but otherwise it functions correctly, with a good cylinder lockup. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well. The cylinder / barrel assembly is really in very nice shape, with the original blued finish faded to a lovely polished gray steel patina. The action still shows clear details on the engraving, something we almost never see, and there is even some still present on the recoil shield. There is definitely 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. There are small silver escutcheons on both sides, and an owner added the initials J.H.B. to the left grip at some point.

There is even a small silver escutcheon on the right hand grip, where a name may have been at one point. The original "piano varnish" finish is still mostly present on both sides, with wear through around the bottom. This is really a very nice example, one of the earliest we've seen out of all the "Allen Pepperbox" revolvers we've had, with lovely markings.

A great cased example of an interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, complete with all the usual accessories. Ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1844-5
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 7 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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