Make: Allen and Thurber - Worchester

Model: Pepperbox

Serial#: 343

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1847–1854: Allen & Thurber (Worcester), Antique

Caliber: .32 Cap & Ball

Action Type: Percussion Pepperbox style handgun with 6 Barrels

Markings: The frame has floral engraving. The hammer is marked “ ALLENS PATENT 1845”. The barrel cluster is marked “Allen & Thurber” and “ Worchester”.

Barrel Length: 3.5”

Sights/ Optics: There is no provision for iron sights.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece wood panels. The grips have light handling marks, nicks, compressions and scuffs. There are some scattered patches of finish loss on the grips. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition for Antiques.

Type of Finish: Blue 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are all dark. There is light-moderate oxidation. The bores rat a 7/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains 5% of its metal finish. There is some trace bluing visible in the recesses between the barrels but otherwise the pistol’s finish has worn off. The gun is coated in light-surface oxidation and has taken a patin color. There are scattered light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. The markings remain clear. The screw heads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: In 1843, the company relocated to Norwich, Connecticut. In addition to arms making, they built prototypes of Thurber's typewriter designed for the blind, disabled, and those “nervous” about writing by hand. Though patented, the typewriter was never manufactured for commercial sale.

In 1847, the company moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, and in 1854 Wheelock became an equal partner with the firm's name changing to Allen Thurber & Co. In 1856, following Thurber's death, the company reorganized as Allen & Wheelock. After the death of Wheelock in 1865, Allen's two sons-in-law, Sullivan Forehand, and H. C. Wadsworth, began working for him and the company changed names to Allen & Company. Upon Allen's death in 1871, the two operated the company under their own names: Forehand & Wadsworth, until Forehand reorganized the company in 1890 as the Forehand Arms Company after Wadsworth's retirement.

Ethan Allen's companies made a vast variety of firearms. Most recognized are the Allen & Thurber "pepper-box" revolving pistol—known as the "Gun that won the East". This pistol was actually much more common than the early Patterson Arms revolvers made by Colt. Few records survive, so much is derived from the physical weapons still in existence and by extrapolating from advertisements, patent dates, etc.The pepperbox has wear consistent with a 19th century handgun, but it remains well preserved. This is a great option for historical firearms collectors.