Original U.S. Allen & Thurber of Worcester 1837 Patent .31cal Percussion Pepperbox Revolver - Matching Serial 209

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 1/2" overall with 3 1/2" barrels, which is the typical size we see. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 209 • is stamped on the inside of both grip scales, the grip frame, the mainspring, and on the inside of the trigger guard. There is also a somewhat worn 209 • between the cap nipple cones on the cylinder. The round "•" looks to be an assembly marking, and is only next to some of the serial markings. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no 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 in the flutes 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 1849-1850, before the patent renewal was processed, 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 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, which we often do not see, though the recoil shield engraving is more shallow, and is partly worn away. There is 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, though we do not see nay missing chunks or cracks. 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 1849-50 Caliber: .31" Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball Barrel Length: 3 1/2 inches Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches Action: Double Action Only Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver 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.