| A nice little .31cal Allen's pepperbox in the earlier 1837 style action. Manufactured in Norwich, Connecticut this pistol bears the markings of J.G.Bolen, one of the earliest, and most successful, representatives of the Allen's line of firearms. Manufactured in Norwich, CT, USA - between 1842 and 1845 Overall Length: 6 1/2 inches |
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This early Allen's pepperbox has the sharply angled drop grip with a silver inlaid oval on both sides of the grips. Both sides of the frame and the backstrap are engraved in the style designating an early Norwich production. The serial or batch number "88" is stamped into the inside of the triggerguard and near one of the nipples on the barrel. |
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A closeup of the engraving on the frame and nipple shield of this little pistol. The design on the nipple shield is the "Rolled Scroll" style, indicating a Norwich production. Notice the "J.G.Bolen, NY" stamp on the side of the hammer. Bolen was instrumental in introducing these pistols to the American Public. |
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The top of the hammer bears the "Allen's Patent" stamp in the larger type style found on the early production pistols. The hammer retains most of the original bluing and the action works nicely on this little gem. |
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The barrel cluster is the first generation fluted style with distinct ribs, containing six .31cal barrels, each with its own nipple. The double action mechanism would rotate the next barrel into position, raise the hammer and finally drop the hammer on the nipple. Hopefully, only one barrel would fire as these pistols were prone to chain firing, a rather exciting happening under the best of circumstances. |
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Stamped on the barrel between the ribs is a single line "Patented 1837 Cast Steel". This composite photo shows the two sections of the stamping in closeup. |
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As with the engraving on the frame, the style of the engraving on the backstrap indicates early Norwich production. I am always impressed with the time and craftsmanship that went into the production of these older pistols. |
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