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Allen & Thurber .32 Percussion Pepperbox

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,600.00 - 2,300.00 USD
Allen & Thurber .32 Percussion Pepperbox
Seldom seen very early variant factory engraved Allen & Thurber six-shot, 32 caliber percussion medium size pepperbox with 3 ¾” barrels. What is so unusual and rare is that this fine pistol was made at the early Norwich, Connecticut factory. It is clearly marked on the ribs between the barrels, “ALLEN & THURBER,” “NORWICH C-T,” “PATENTED 1837 CAST STEEL.” This marking positively dates this high condition piece as being manufactured from 1842-1847. Production at this time was relatively small. After this date Allen & Thurber moved to Worcester, CT for the balance of production. Any Allen pepperbox not made during the Worcester years can be considered very scarce. Early production guns also can be identified by the “dog-leg” or “quick drop” sharp angle of the grips. Later pistols tend to be more gently rounded in style. The bar hammer is also correctly marked “ALLEN’S PATENT.” Historically, the pepperbox pistols were competitors to the early Colt and Remington percussion revolvers. When this pistol was made, single shot derringers and belt pistols were still the norm. Revolvers were seldom encountered and considered a novelty by many. So, at this time in American history, the popular six-shot, multi-barrel pepperbox pistol was an intimidating weapon! With their multi-shot capabilities, low “snag-free” bar hammers and double action functioning where one merely pulls the trigger to rotate the barrels, lift and drop the hammer to fire the charge, the pepperbox pistol was considered a formidable close range personal protection arm. This example shows fine original factory scroll engraving on the frame and back strap. It also has the fancy “spangle” or oval inlay in the grips above the grip screw. This spangle option made the pistol more attractive when holstered. The Allen pepperbox pistols were extremely popular with the California “Forty-Niner” gold seekers. This pre-gold rush produced example might have been one of the earliest to find its way to the gold fields. Many also found favor as personal sidearms or back-up arms with Mexican War and later Civil War officers and foot soldiers. Eventually, the more modern and compact revolvers of the day put an end to the pepperbox system, but during its several decades of popularity, it was a trusted weapon of self-defense on both sides of the law and on both sides of the Civil War. This Norwich produced example shows no evidence of having been cleaned or polished. The blued barrels have aged naturally to a most attractive aged blue patina. This holds true for the engraved frame and back strap which also show no signs of abuse, cleaning, rust or pitting. The engraving remains sharp and as attractive today as it was in the 1840s. The walnut grips are solid without chips or cracks, fit perfectly and have not been sanded or replaced with both inlaid spangles intact. With excellent and functioning mechanics, outstanding visual appeal and considerable rarity, this Allen & Thurber Norwich production pepperbox would fit nicely into the finest collection or museum display. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.