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.

In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and this is the type exhibited on our well used Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The pepperbox itself is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 ½" overall with 3 ¼" barrels, about the size we usually see. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 39 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 (second digit is faint). There is also assembly number 8 stamped on the cylinder between the cap nipples (faint), on the right side of the grip frame, and on the inside of the trigger guard. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years!

The frame originally had lovely decorative engraving throughout, on the flash guard as well as the side plates, and even the grip frame, however it is now faint due to oxidation and subsequent cleaning. This has unfortunately also almost completely removed the markings on the tube hammer as well as on the flats between the barrels on the cylinder. The company was known by various names over the years, and is usually identified by the markings on the cylinder, however all we can make out are a few letters, and "CAST" on the cylinder. For the most part, they are completely gone.

However the shape, style, dimensions of the action, and the way the serial numbers are marked is undisputable for an Ethan Allen made pepperbox. The pistol has the correct gentle curve on the grip for Worcester production, while Norwich made revolvers had a distinct angle at the top of the grip. The lack of markings does however make it impossible to determine exactly when it was made, or under which partnership.

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. The action functions correctly, with a good cylinder lockup and a crisp dry fire. The tube hammer is in good shape, and functions well. There is a lot of wear and past peppering on the metalwork, which has made the original engraving and etched designs very faint. This is definitely an old campaigner, in service for quite some time.

The walnut grips have a lovely color, and show some great period wear. The left grip scale has a lovely color, showing some staining, and the original factory varnish has worn way completely. The right grip scale shows some wood graft repairs, including around the securing screw, and at the bottom.

This is really a very nice service worn example of an "Allen Pepperbox" 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 1855
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 ¼ inches
Overall Length: 7 ½ 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.