Item Description
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 is not maker marked, indicating U.S. production where there were no proof houses for commercial guns like there were in Europe. It is made very much in the style of the pepperboxes produced by Ethan Allen in various partnerships during the 1840s - 1860s, but is definitely not made by one of his companies. His "tube hammer" was patented, so leaving off markings would forestall any litigation.
The weapon is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 6 3/8" overall with a 2 1/2" barrel cluster. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 7041 stamped on the left side of the grip frame, with assembly number 200 on the other side. There is also a CAST STEEL marking on one of the raised areas between the chambers, with no other markings on the revolver.
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, and accurate indexing. The cylinder can be rotated very easily, so there seems to be wear on the cylinder tensioning button inside the action. The metalwork overall shows a polished steel patina, with traces of past peppering that has been cleaned away. There is some lovely foliate engraving on the sides of the action and the flash guard, which are definitely not the same pattern used by Allen. It has some lovely walnut grips, which look to have been personalized with the addition of some small groves.
An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1855-1865
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 6 3/8 inches
Action: Double 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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