Item Description
Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very nice example of the rare .36cal "Navy" version of the "Center-Hammer" Percussion Revolvers made by Ethan Allen and his brother-in-law Thomas Wheelock in Worcester, Mass. Allen was involved in a series of different partnerships, which makes the firearms relatively easy to place in time. The side of the octagonal barrel on this example is marked (partly faded):
[ALLEN & WHEEL]OCK. WORCESTER. MASS. US.
[ALLEN’s PT’s] JAN.13. DEC.15. 1857. SEPT.7.1858
As the "ALLEN & WHEELOCK" trade name was used from 1856 to 1865, this revolver definitely falls right into the civil war period. The revolver is also marked with serial number 156 on the side the barrel, on the back of the cylinder, under the grip frame, and on both wood grip scales. The firm had successfully introduced a large .44cal "Army" version of this revolver, however it is estimated that only around 500 of the Navy model were made. It unfortunately could not compete with the well established Colt 1851 Navy for a market share of Military Contracts. Of course, Colt's own model 1861 Navy wasn't able to compete with the 1851 either.
The "Center-Hammer" revolvers were an improvement of the earlier "Side-Hammer" guns, which had deficiencies with ease of loading, as well as frame strength. Moving the hammer to the center allowed for a stronger frame, which is what the U.S. Army Ordnance Dept was looking for. There were cartridge revolvers at the time, but the U.S. Army was conservative, and only wanted the trusted technology of percussion revolvers. The Center-Hammer did retain one key feature from the side hammer version: the unique combination trigger guard/loading lever.
Our example is in full operating order and has a very pleasant grey metal finish overall. The cylinder lock is strong, and it indexes and cycles properly when cocked. As with any revolver of this age, it can be a bit finicky at times. It still retains its original walnut wood grips, which are in great shape. The bore is a bit rusty, but lands and grooves are still clear. The "Navy" models were available with several barrel lengths, and this is the standard 6" barrel version.
The only example of this type of gun that we've ever had. Unusual and ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1860-65
Caliber: .36cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single 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 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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