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 / Grinder 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 has some interesting characteristics. The pepperbox itself is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 6 1/2" overall with 3 1/4" barrels, which is overall a bit shorter than we usually see. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 117 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 between the cap nipples. 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 grip frame. While the finish is worn overall, the engraving is very well preserved. The tube hammer is stamped:

ALLEN'S PATENT

This example is further marked on the flats between the barrels, though there is a bit of the markings missing due to oxidation and wear:-

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. There is no company name stamped on this revolver, however the shape of the pistol grip has a very angled curve where it meets the receiver, which is CLASSIC Norwich Period. It has the correct small escutcheons on the grips as well. We estimate that this pistol was probably produced around 1845.

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 works great, with a good cylinder lockup and smooth cycling. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well. The metalwork overall shows a gray steel patina, with just a few small areas of peppering, the original blued finish completely worn away. There is not much powder burn around the cap nipple cones, so it does not look to have been used extensively.

The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. There are small silver escutcheons on both sides, and and the original factory varnish is completely worn away, with the wood now showing a lovely warm glow. This is really a very nice example, with some great research potential.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1843-4
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 6 1/2 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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