Factory engraved and fancy ivory gripped Allen & Thurber belt or holster size six shot percussion “Pepperbox” revolving pistol, c.1840s, .34 caliber with 4” gracefully fluted barrels. This is the medium-to-large size Allen Pepperbox that found favor as both a large pocket pistol as well as a displayed holster weapon. These early competitors to the Colt revolver found favor with the “49ers” of California Gold Rush fame as well as with urban dwellers in need of a repeating firearm for self defense. Many were carried as private weapons by soldiers on both sides of the Civil War. Highly embellished pepperbox pistols with anything but wood grips are extremely rare and desirable. A very small number were made in this way and were impressive when worn openly. Examples in fine condition are also rare as these handguns were often used for “daily carry” by their owners. This is a very fine example as it displays a lovely, even uncleaned patina and still retains traces of original aged blue on the barrels! The usual condition for one of these is heavily worn gray metal at best and more often than not badly rusted, pitted and showing abuse. The frame is factory hand engraved as is the nipple shield and back strap. The superbly aged, mellow ivory grips have remarkably survived the last approximately 170 years without chips! 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 bar hammer is smooth sided and correctly unmarked because two flutes between the barrels are marked “ALLEN THURBER & CO” and "WORCESTER” as well as the words “Patented” twice and the date “1845” (later examples have this marking on the side of the bar hammer). Excellent mechanical condition and a truly superior example of a uniquely American firearm of the pre-Civil War period that has not been re-finished, over-cleaned or altered. Exceedingly rare with fancy walrus tusk ivory grips! This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.