| This later design Allen's pepperbox came with a story (like so many relics do). This was purchased from a reputable dealer who bought it from one of the descendants of Frederick Hartlaub of Gettysburg, PA. According to the contemporary Mr. Hartlaub, his great-grandfather Frederick was involved in the cleanup after the battle and discovered this pistol and a Burnside carbine on the North (East?) Cavalry Field. I am still trying to find some corroborating evidence to prove out this story. Manufactued in Worcester, MA - between 1847 and 1860 Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches |
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This is the later style pepperbox produced in the Worcester plant by Allen & Wheelock. The curve of the grip is considerably smoother than the earlier production and the engraving is limited to the nipple shield. The action is the later 1845 patent with the "improved" mainspring configuration. There is a small break just above the trigger on the frame that was caused by the action rubbing against the inside of the metal and eventually wearing through. This is frequently found on Allen's pistols that have seen a lot of action. |
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The frame of this pistol is not engraved, but the nipple shield has the "Rosevine" pattern that identifies it as a later Worcester production. You can clearly see the wear mark in this photo, as well as a damaged screw head on the shield. |
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The Allen's patent stamp is on the side of the hammer in this model and reads "ALLEN'S PATENT/1845". The hammer itself has retained most of the original bluing. |
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As is the custom with Allen's pepperboxes, the serial/batch number is stamped on the inside of the triggerguard and between two of the nipples, in this case "467". On this pistol the stamp near the nipples has worn to the point that only the 6 and seven are visible. |
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The backstrap of this pistol was unadorned when it left the factory but it appears as though the original owner decided to add his own decoration. Legend has it that these notches designated kills when they were carved into a pistol. Makes you wonder if the unfortunate owner was notch number 5. |
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