Allen & Thurber Worcester .31 Cal 4″ Six-Shot Pepperbox Pistol Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,025.00

LSB#: LSB260618MR079

Make: Allen & Thurber

Model: Pepperbox

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1847-1854 / ATF Antique

Caliber: .31 Caliber

Action Type: Double Action, Six-Shot Percussion Pepperbox Pistol with Rotating Barrel Cluster

Markings: One of the barrel ribs is marked “ALLEN & THURBER / WORCESTER”. Another rib is marked “PATENTED / 1837 / CAST STEEL”. The bar hammer is marked “ALLEN’S PATENT”. The frame and barrel collar have decorative scroll engraving. The rear of the barrel cluster is marked “2” and “17”.

Barrel Length: 4″ Six-Barrel Cluster

Sights / Optics: There are no conventional sights. The bar hammer is positioned along the top of the frame and barrel cluster.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels with a rounded bag-shaped profile. The wood shows scattered scratches, compressions, handling marks, and finish wear. There are no notable chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue / Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The six smoothbores are dull with light erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 6/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains less than 5% of its original metal finish. Most of the metal has worn to a mottled gray and brown patina with scattered oxidation, freckling, and areas of light surface erosion and shallow pitting. The factory scroll engraving remains readily visible throughout the frame and barrel collar. The barrel ribs retain clear factory markings. The screw heads show age-appropriate use but remain serviceable. Overall, this pistol rates in Good condition as Antique. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel cluster rotates smoothly with good timing. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a red-fabric lined wooden display box with powder flask, two cavity bullet mould, ramrod, wood handled ramrod, four balls, and key.

Our Assessment: Allen & Thurber’s pepperboxes are among the most recognizable American repeating handguns of the percussion era. Ethan Allen’s self-cocking pepperbox system offered multiple immediately available shots before the conventional revolving-cylinder handgun became dominant. This example dates to the Worcester period of Allen & Thurber production and combines a six-shot .31 caliber barrel cluster with Allen’s distinctive bar-hammer action, protected percussion nipples, rounded walnut grip, and extensive factory scroll engraving. The “PATENTED 1837” marking refers to Allen’s early pepperbox patent rather than the pistol’s actual date of manufacture.

This example displays considerable honest use and age, with nearly all of its original finish having worn to an attractive antique patina. The engraving and principal factory markings remain well defined, the walnut grip remains solid, and the six smoothbores retain respectable condition for a percussion arm of this age. Most importantly, the self-cocking action remains functional and the barrel cluster rotates smoothly with good timing. This is a handsome representative example of one of the defining American repeating handgun designs of the pre-Civil War period. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.