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.

In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and this is the type exhibited on our example here, which has some very interesting characteristics! The majority of these were produced in .31 caliber, which resulted in a nice pocket sized pepperbox, however this is the rare LARGE version in .36 caliber, known as the rare Dragoon Model! It is a six shot pepperbox, measuring 10" overall with a 5 ¼" barrel cluster, which is definitely substantially larger than any .31 caliber example we have had. The frame is also larger, and it is overall more robust in construction.

Removal of the grips shows that serial number 57 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. The trigger guard was replaced at some point, so it does not have the serial number marked on it, but this is definitely a very nice "Mostly Matching" example!

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
1845

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

ALLEN & THURBER      WORCESTER

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 1850, before the patent was renewed and new stamps made, several years after the move to Worcester.

Ethan Allen later took into his business another brother-in-law, Thomas Wheelock, and after that 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 still retains a good amount of the original finish on the cylinder, now faded to a gray color, and the frame and recoil shield show a lovely matte gray patina from age and cleaning. There is a bit of past peppering on the flash guard, but the engraving is still visible, as is the engraving on the rest of the frame. The action functions, however the hand is worn and the spring weak, so it often does not engage the ratchet, unless the revolver is pointed downwards. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well, with a crisp dry fire.

The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear, but no major damage such as cracks or ships. They still retain most of the original "piano varnish" finish, with some wear and staining in areas.

This is really a very nice example of a rare LARGE SIZE "Allen Pepperbox" Dragoon revolver. A lovely example of an interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: .36"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 ¼ inches
Overall Length: 10 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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required

Stored and shipped from our PA location; not available in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Please check all local laws before ordering.