SIZE NORWICH PEPPERBOXES, 1837 PATENT ACTIONS. Large frame; barrel lengths usually 6".
Bar hammer with conventional trigger and trigger guard; fluted barrel ribs; made without nipple shield:
| 5A-031 | Values—Good $875 | Fine $2,500 |
Identical to above, but with nipple shield:
| 5A-032 | Values—Good $875 | Fine $2,500 |
Identical to above, but flat barrel ribs and made without nipple shield:
| 5A-033 | Values—Good $750 | Fine $2,250 |
Ring trigger model. Made without nipple shield; fluted barrel ribs:
| 5A-034 | Values—Good $750 | Fine $2,250 |
Ring trigger model made without nipple shield and flat barrel ribs:
5A-035
| 5A-035 | Values—Good $875 | Fine $2,500 |
DRAGOON SIZE NORWICH PEPPERBOXES, 1845 TYPE ACTIONS
Bar hammer with conventional trigger and trigger guard; flat barrel ribs; with nipple shield:
5A-036
| 5A-036 | Values—Good $750 | Fine $2,250 |
Ring trigger model with flat barrel ribs; made without nipple shield:
| 5A-037 | Values—Good $875 | Fine $2,500 |
Ring trigger model with nipple shield (rare):
5A-038
| 5A-038 | Values—Good $950 | Fine $2,600 |
Worcester Production Pepperboxes
There is no doubt that after the move from Norwich to Worcester, the company continued either the production or at least the assembly of parts shipped from their Norwich facilities. Documentary evidence does not exist as to which models were first made or introduced by the Worcester factory, but it has been quite thoroughly agreed upon by most Allen students that many models were simultaneously produced. The earliest style of Worcester marked pepperboxes decidedly show characteristics of Norwich types and they may be aptly called “transitional.” These are distinguished by their “dog leg” handles with noticeable angular juncture to the frame, quite distinctly setting them off from the overall Worcester-made pepperbox. The Worcester product generally conforms to a style of an evenly rounded frame (versus the flatter frames of Norwich and earlier production), with the handles having a gentle or evenly arched shape as they meet the frame. This latter, standard type is not usually found with the oval inlays or “spangles.” The true transitional “Worcester” marked model is likely that with the conventional trigger and hammer, 5" barrel, flat wide ribs with rolled scroll design on nipple shield, dog leg handle and spangles on grips. The next later transitional type has the rose and vine engraved shield.
The most conventional Worcester pepperboxes are those with the shorter appearing handle of the so-called “bag” shape. Nipple shields are standard on Worcester pepperboxes (except where noted below) and bear a very simple hand engraved scroll motif on most pieces with the later models having no design there at all. Hand engraved motifs are easily distinguishable from the earlier Norwich roll embellished nipple shields. Transitional and very early Worcester pieces will be observed with the Norwich style roll engraving and may be considered quite scarce. Frames of all Worcester pepperboxes are quite standard with the broad hand engraved scroll/floral designs. Worcester made pepperboxes are all of the 1845 patent type. Except for the one single action model (so noted below), all conventional Worcester production was double action with bar type hammer. Concealed hammer types are known and specimens identified as original are considered rare.
SMALL OR “POCKET SIZE” WORCESTER PEPPERBOX.
Calibers 25, 28, 31, and 34 (in four-shot only). Found in four- , five-and six-shot styles. Five-shot variety most commonly encountered in this size. Four-shot a distinctly different model as noted below. Marking of all three types of the Worcester era, 1847 to 1865 (see preface). Majority of these small sizes have fluted barrels. Barrel lengths 2-1/2" to 4".
Fluted barrels with engraved nipple shield separately affixed; most often seen with hand engraving on shields:
5A-039
| 5A-039 | Values—Good $325 | Fine $750 |
Fluted barrels with nipple shield made integral with frame:
5A-040
| 5A-040 | Values—Good $325 | Fine $750 |
Fluted barrels without nipple shield; no provision for same and usually plain, unengraved frame. ALLEN & WHEELOCK marked only and one of the very last styles made at Worcester:
5A-041
| 5A-041 | Values—Good $325 | Fine $750 |
Similar to above frame without nipple shield, but having the rebated barrels of 5A.040. A transitional type. Numbers must match to be original:
| 5A-041.5 | Values—Good $350 |
Fine $850
|