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 with significant improvements to the design. In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and continued production. After Charles Thurber passed away in 1856, Ethan Allen later took into his business another brother-in-law, Thomas Wheelock, who worked with the company until 1865. As before, the company was known for its rotating cylinder/barrel revolvers.

This is the type exhibited on our Pepperbox Revolver offered here. The weapon is Six Shot in .31 caliber measuring 7 1/2" overall with 3 1/2" barrels. Removal of the grips shows that serial number 162 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 (very faint). This is a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years!

The tube hammer definitely shows wear to the end cup as well as the sides, which has partly removed the original patent marking:

These could have additional rows of markings in the cylinder flutes, however later examples were usually just marked with the name of the company like this one is:

The company was known by various names over the years. From 1856 to 1865 it was known as Allen & Wheelock (Worcester), so this pistol is from that period, after the patent renewal was granted. The relatively low serial number suggests it was made very early after the name change, so this revolver was probably made around 1858-1859.

Later, his two Sons-in-law, Sullivan Forehand and Henry Wadsworth, 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 but NOT sold for firing. The cylinder / barrel assembly is really in great shape, with the original blued finish faded to a grayish patina. The action does not look to have had any engraving on it, or possibly it has worn away over the years. The flash shield around the end of the cylinder does have some foliate engraving, which is a bit worn. The walnut grips have lost most of their original "piano varnish" finish, but sill have a great color, with no major wear or damage.

An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1858
Caliber: .31"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 3 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches
Action: Double Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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