Allen and Wheelock Sidehammer Navy .36 Cal 6″ Percussion Revolver Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,137.13

LSB: LSB250930JK004

Make: Allen and Wheelock

Model: Sidehammer Navy

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1858-1861

Caliber: .36 Black Powder

Action Type: Percussion Cap Black Powder Revolver with a 6-Shot Cylinder

Markings: Cylinder engraved with a battle scene and marked with a forest, game scene. The side of the barrel is marked “Allen and Wheelock, Allen’s patent, Jan 13, 1857”.

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a groove in the top strap of the frame.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver features a two-piece walnut grip.  There is handling wear, scratches, and dents.  The right grip has the bottom two corners of the grip chipped away. Over all the condition of the grips are Fair. 

Type of Finish: Blued 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is distinct. There are a couple pretty heavy pits in the bore. The bore rates as a 4/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains almost none of its finish. The bluing has worn to gray patina. There is corrosion staining throughout.  There is some pitting scattered throughout.  The screw heads are tool marked but serviceable. The markings are sharp and clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Good condition for an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder rotates smoothly, and the hammer locks securely in place. As with all black powder firearms, a thorough cleaning is recommended before use.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment:  The Allen and Wheelock Sidehammer Navy revolver is a distinctive mid nineteenth century American percussion revolver, produced during the years immediately preceding the Civil War. Allen and Wheelock of Worcester, Massachusetts were known for innovative and unconventional revolver designs, and the sidehammer series stands apart from the more common Colt and Remington patterns of the era. Chambered in .36 caliber and marketed toward the civilian and militia market, these revolvers reflect the rapid evolution of handgun technology in the 1850s as manufacturers competed to improve reliability, ergonomics, and visual appeal.

This example features a 6 inch barrel and a six shot percussion cylinder engraved with a decorative forest game scene, a hallmark of the model’s period styling. The barrel markings remain sharp and legible, clearly identifying Allen and Wheelock and the 1857 patent date. The revolver retains little of its original blued finish, having worn to a uniform gray patina with corrosion staining and scattered pitting throughout, consistent with age and use. The walnut grips show handling wear, scratches, and dents, with chipping present at the lower corners of the right grip panel, placing them in fair overall condition.

Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly, with smooth cylinder rotation and secure hammer lockup. The bore is dark with distinct rifling and several heavier pits visible, rating 4 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. Despite its cosmetic wear, this revolver presents as an honest and intact example of a lesser seen American percussion sidehammer design, retaining clear markings and strong historical character from the pre Civil War period. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF/MA