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Allen & Thurber .34 Cal Six-Shot Pepperbox Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,250.00 - 1,800.00 USD
Allen & Thurber .34 Cal Six-Shot Pepperbox Pistol
Factory Engraved exceedingly rare POCKET SIZE Allen & Thurber five shot percussion “Pepperbox” revolving pistol, c.1845, .34 caliber with 2 3/4” barrels. This is the very seldom seen small size Allen Pepperbox that found favor as a pocket or “hideout” weapon. These early competitors to the Colt and Remington revolvers were popular with the “49ers” of California Gold Rush fame as well as gamblers and with urban dwellers in need of a small repeating firearm for self defense. Many were carried as private weapons on both side of the Civil War. Examples in fine condition are rare as these handguns were often used for “daily carry” by their owners. This is an exceptional example as it still retains a lovely aged blue on the barrel cluster! The usual condition for one of these is gray metal at best and more often than not badly rusted, pitted and showing abuse. The frame is crisply factory hand engraved as is the back strap. This is a double action pistol in which a single pull of the trigger revolves the barrel cluster, raises the bar-style hammer and fires the gun. The barrels are marked “ALLEN & THURBER & CO.” and “WORCESTER” plus “PATENTED 1845.” Additionally, the bar hammer is stamped “ALLEN’S PATENT.” Walnut grips are excellent and exhibit the original high quality finish. Very good mechanical condition and a truly outstanding example of a uniquely American firearm of the pre-Civil War period. Almost never found in this small size or in this high conditioned state of preservation. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.