Allen & Thurber marked factory engraved bar hammer, double action .36 caliber percussion pocket pistol made in the late 1830s-1850s. This single shot derringer-type pistol was made by the same company in Massachusetts that was famous for manufacturing multi-barrel pepperbox pistols also using the double action mechanism and bar hammer. This fine pistol has a 3” half-octagon barrel with an overall length of 6 ½ inches. Many of these found their way into the pockets of Civil War soldiers on both sides, gentlemen of the cities, gamblers and anyone needing an easily concealable pistol that was fast to draw and fire without first cocking a hammer. This type pistol was also very popular with “soiled doves” who needed to threaten, or even shoot, unruly customers! This unique pistol was fired by simply pulling the trigger which raised and released the hammer on a percussion cap setting off the main charge in the chamber of the barrel. The barrel was also made to unscrew from the frame for easy loading from the breech end. The entire pistol is made of steel with walnut grips. The receiver and back strap are factory scroll engraved, the hammer side is marked “ALLEN’S PATENT” the barrel is stamped “PATENTED”  “1837” and “CAST STEEL.” Overall this pistol is uncleaned, never restored in any way and shows a nice even 165 year old deep natural patina. The grips show handling but are basically solid and the pistol functions properly. This pistol weighs 8oz. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.