Values—Good $550
Ethan Allen Second Model Pocket Rifle
Second Model Pocket Rifle, Underhammer Single Shot Pistol. Made c. late 1830s into the 1840s. Limited production estimated at a few hundred. Features basically as on the First Model, but having a rounded frame contour and bag type grip. This is the first firearm to bear the Allen & Thurber name; usually seen marked CAST STEEL/WARRANTED/POCKET RIFLE ALLEN & THURBER/WORCESTER, MASS. Earlier and scarcer markings with address GRAFTON, MASS. (worth premium to value). Varying lengths part round/part octagon barrels (4"to 6" usual). Usual backstrap on “Worcester” marked, narrow type 1/4" width; most early “Grafton” marked specimens with wider (1/2") backstraps. Agent or dealer markings not observed on this model.
5A-002
| 5A-002 | Values—Good $500 | Fine $1,150 |
Allen & Thurber Tube Hammer D.A. Pistol
Tube Hammer Single Shot Pistol, by Allen & Thurber, Grafton, Massachusetts. Made late 1830s to early 1840s. Total production estimated at a few hundred.
Small caliber pocket pistol of double action type, with a spurless hammer resembling a curved tube. Short part round, part octagon barrel. Iron with walnut grips, each having a small oval inlay and wide 15/32" gripstrap.
Serial numbered. ALLEN’S PATENT on frame and P.M./E.A. 1837 on barrel, and sometimes with GRAFTON, MASS. address.
A scarce early Allen with the basic pepperbox grip and frame profile and double action mechanism, this is the pistol pictured in the Allen patent of November 1837. It was also the basis of the 1837 patented action used on pepperboxes (low tension screw type):
5A-003
| 5A-003 | Values—Good $750 | Fine $1,850 |
Allen & Thurber D.A. Bar Hammer Pistol
Single Shot D.A. Bar Hammer Percussion Pistol made by Allen & Thurber, Grafton, Norwich and Worcester. Norwich marked specimens quite rare with only a few known and worth a premium. Made c. 1830s to period of the Civil War; total quantity of several thousand estimated.
28 to 36 calibers. Barrel lengths vary from about 2" to 10"; barrels are of the screw-off type, allowing for breech-loading; half round/half octagon. Very long barrel lengths usually bring higher values. Short barrel types known as muff pistols.
Walnut grips. Blued finish.
Marked with batch numbers. Numerous variations may be found within this group; frames either plain or with simple, broad scroll engraving.
Earliest type with handle set at sharp angle to frame and ALLEN & THURBER/GRAFTON MASS. in two lines on side of the hammer; oval inlay on each grip; has the 1837 patent type action. Backstrap width 7/32". Earliest specimens with 15/32" (wider) backstraps worth premium. Estimated production approximately 200:
5A-004
| 5A-004 | Values—Good $500 | Fine $950 |
As above, angle of handle not quite as sharp, and bearing ALLEN’S PATENT/CAST STEEL on barrel; with or without oval grip inlays; has the 1845 patent type action. Production estimated at less than 200 and less often encountered than first type:
5A-005
| 5A-005 | Values—Good $500 | Fine $950 |
Last type, with arched shape to handle and longer frame; varied later type markings of the Worcester period; not necessarily including maker’s name; 1845 patent type action; majority of production of this style. Found with all three type Worcester markings:
| 5A-006 | Values—Good $200 | Fine $575 |
Allen & Thurber Sidehammer Target Pistol
Single Shot Sidehammer Target Pistol made by Allen & Thurber. An improved type over previous single shot Allen pistols. Made c. late 1840s into the 1850s. Total production estimated at a few hundred.
Calibers 34, 41, and 45. Barrels part round, part octagon, and vary in length from about 6" to 10".
Barrel markings ALLEN & THURBER, WORCESTERor ALLEN THURBER & CO., the latter quite scarce and will bring premium value.
Wooden ramrod beneath the barrel. Rear sight mounted near breech of barrel and extending back behind hammer (where engages adjustment screw). Trigger guard with or without spur (earlier type lacks spur and has single grip screw). Very early models had full octagon barrels, are quite scarce and will command premium values. Usually the very long barrel lengths will bring small premium prices as well as specimens with more elaborate sights than the usually encountered open type described above:
5A-007
| 5A-007 | Values—Good $400 | Fine $1,250 |
Large Frame Type. About identical profile to that pictured for 5A-007 with noticeably larger frame and longer handle; the grips fastened by two screws. Trigger guard with long outside finger spur also standard. Barrel lengths of 10 and 12 inches.
| 5A-007.2 | Values—Good $550 | Fine $1,500 |
Allen & Thurber Center Hammer Pistol
Single Shot Center Hammer (Boxlock) Percussion Pistol made by Allen & Thurber, Allen Thurber & Co. and Allen & Wheelock, with the so-called Shotgun-Type hammer. Made c. late 1840s to period of the Civil