Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this awesome double-action percussion pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Allen's Patent (Norwich, Connecticut) Pepperbox.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Allen's Patent (Norwich, Connecticut)
Model: Pepperbox
Serial: No Serial
Date of Manufacture: 1842-1847
Caliber: Unknown
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3 1/4"
Optics/Sights: None
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips
Action: Double-Action / Percussion
Markings: Standard / The left side of the hammer is stamped “ALLEN'S PATENT”. The Barrel is stamped “PATENTED / 1837 / CAST STEEL”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Ethan Allen’s revolving pistol—now commonly called the pepperbox—stands as one of the most recognizable and commercially successful firearms of his career. Much of Allen’s fame and fortune was built on this design, widely regarded as one of the earliest successful American six-shot double-action handguns. Produced from the 1830s through approximately 1864, Allen pepperboxes achieved remarkable popularity and were among the highest-selling handguns of their era. Even after the rise of Samuel Colt's early revolvers, Allen’s pepperboxes continued to sell in substantial numbers and remained widely recognized throughout the 1840s and 1850s. Large numbers were sold to emigrants traveling west, with many carried to California during the Gold Rush, and they were also privately carried by soldiers and militia members during conflicts such as the Seminole Wars, the Mexican War, and the Civil War. Over their lengthy production span, pepperboxes were made in a substantial array of types and variations—commonly estimated at roughly fifty primary types, with numerous sub-types and mechanical or cosmetic differences. Production moved through several locations and company names: Allen & Thurber in Grafton, Massachusetts (1837–1842); Allen & Thurber in Norwich, Connecticut (1842–1847); Allen & Thurber in Worcester, Massachusetts (1847–1854); Allen, Thurber & Co. (1854–1856); and Allen & Wheelock (1856–1864).
Model: Pepperbox
Serial: No Serial
Date of Manufacture: 1842-1847
Caliber: Unknown
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3 1/4"
Optics/Sights: None
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Grips
Action: Double-Action / Percussion
Markings: Standard / The left side of the hammer is stamped “ALLEN'S PATENT”. The Barrel is stamped “PATENTED / 1837 / CAST STEEL”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Ethan Allen’s revolving pistol—now commonly called the pepperbox—stands as one of the most recognizable and commercially successful firearms of his career. Much of Allen’s fame and fortune was built on this design, widely regarded as one of the earliest successful American six-shot double-action handguns. Produced from the 1830s through approximately 1864, Allen pepperboxes achieved remarkable popularity and were among the highest-selling handguns of their era. Even after the rise of Samuel Colt's early revolvers, Allen’s pepperboxes continued to sell in substantial numbers and remained widely recognized throughout the 1840s and 1850s. Large numbers were sold to emigrants traveling west, with many carried to California during the Gold Rush, and they were also privately carried by soldiers and militia members during conflicts such as the Seminole Wars, the Mexican War, and the Civil War. Over their lengthy production span, pepperboxes were made in a substantial array of types and variations—commonly estimated at roughly fifty primary types, with numerous sub-types and mechanical or cosmetic differences. Production moved through several locations and company names: Allen & Thurber in Grafton, Massachusetts (1837–1842); Allen & Thurber in Norwich, Connecticut (1842–1847); Allen & Thurber in Worcester, Massachusetts (1847–1854); Allen, Thurber & Co. (1854–1856); and Allen & Wheelock (1856–1864).
During the Grafton and Norwich years (1837–1847), only six-shot, smoothbore pepperboxes were produced. These were almost universally double-action and featured the distinctive bar hammer, with barrel lengths ranging from 3 to 6 inches. Four frame sizes corresponded to various calibers, most commonly .32 and .34, though .28, .30, .31, and .36 examples also exist. Early Norwich production retained many late Grafton characteristics, including the 1837 patented action, fluted barrel ribs, quick-drop grips, and silver oval grip inlays. In the final Grafton phase, Allen introduced a nipple shield with simple, rolled-scroll engraved artwork; this feature became increasingly common in Norwich production, gradually replacing unshielded models. As production progressed, additional stylistic changes appeared, such as dog-leg grips, narrow flat barrel ribs, and the improved 1845 patented action. Ring triggers—likely inspired by European pepperboxes—were offered as an alternative to conventional triggers, and roughly one-third of Norwich pepperboxes featured slotted hammers intended as a rudimentary rear sight, though this offered limited practical benefit.
Markings on the hammer and barrel serve as key indicators for dating. Early Norwich hammers were stamped “Allen’s Patent” using a small letter die (1.5mm), later replaced around 1844 with a larger 2.5mm die. Early barrels marked “Patented / Caststeel” lacked a patent date; the addition likely followed the 1842 legal requirement. Subtle differences in the numeral “3” in the 1837 patent—first flat-topped, later rounded—also help establish timelines. Even after the improved 1845 action, Norwich pepperboxes continued to bear the earlier 1837 patent markings for a time, as updated dies were slow to arrive. Throughout its production and across its many variations, the pepperbox maintained steady popularity and commercial success. Today, these antique revolvers embody the craftsmanship and ingenuity of 19th-century American armsmaking, representing an important transitional step in the evolution of handgun design.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
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Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1158539924 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-03-15 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
450 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-03-15 17:50:50 |
