Factory Engraved Allen & Thurber six shot percussion “Pepperbox” revolving pistol, .32 caliber with 4” early style ribbed barrels. This is the medium size Allen Pepperbox that found favor as both a large pocket pistol as well as a holstered belt weapon. These early competitors to the Colt and Remington revolvers 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 on both sides of the Civil War. Examples in fine condition are rare as these handguns were often used for “dailycarry” by their owners. This is a fine example as it displays a lovely dark aged patina and shows no signs of being cleaned or polished. The usual condition for one of these is 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. 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 marked “ALLENS PATENT” and two “ribs” between the barrels are marked “ALLEN & THURBER WORCESTER” and “PATENTED 1837 CAST STEEL.” These markings accurately date the manufacture date of this pepperbox as these markings were used by Allen & Thurber only from 1847-1854. With this manufacture date, that puts this pistol in the exact time period of the Pre-Civil War California Gold Rush years as well as the turbulent days especially in the South and Western portions of the U.S. Walnut grips are very good and exhibit an original early oval silver“spangle” decorative inlay in the left grip with the right grip spangle missing but easily replaced. Fine mechanical condition and a true uncleaned, “attic condition” example of a uniquely American firearm of the pre-Civil War period. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.