the Allen & Wheelock styling. The top of the recoil shield has a projecting lip which covers the breech of the barrel and fits at forward edge into a grooved recess near breech of barrel. Two distinct overhang or projecting lip sizes are noted: (a) the short lip which terminates at point where barrel is grooved; (b) the long lip which extends 1/4" beyond the barrel groove.
Part octagon/part round barrels (found with or without ejector):
Long overlap or lip:
| 5A-078 | Values—Good $225 | Fine $550 |
Short overlap or lip:
5A-079
| 5A-079 | Values—Good $250 | Fine $600 |
Made without lip:
| 5A-080 | Values—Good $175 | Fine $500 |
Octagon barrels (found with or without ejector);
Long overlap:
5A-081
| 5A-081 | Values—Good $225 | Fine $650 |
Short overlap:
| 5A-082 | Values—Good $250 | Fine $700 |
Made without overlap (Note: hammer profile should be identical to that shown for others of this model):
5A-083
| 5A-083 | Values—Good $275 | Fine $675 |
Allen 22 Center Hammer Single Shot
22 Center Hammer Single Shot Pistol. Made by Allen & Wheelock and E. Allen & Co., c. early 1860s. Total quantity limited. 22 rimfire caliber. Except for rare variation as noted below barrels are part round/part octagon varying from 2" to 5-1/2"; pivots to right for loading; with or without automatic ejection. Finish, serial markings as on 32 caliber size, but frames are smaller and with scooped out, flat sides. Known markings include ALLEN & WHEELOCK, E. ALLEN & CO.
Square butt style; iron frame only:
5A-084
| 5A-084 | Values—Good $175 | Fine $550 |
Bird’s head butt style; iron frame (brass scarce; will bring premium):
5A-085
| 5A-085 | Values—Good $150 | Fine $450 |
Early variation; full octagon barrel and rounded iron frame as seen on the 32 caliber style; observed with and without crowned muzzle; rare:
5A-086
| 5A-086 | Values—Good $325 | Fine $950 |
E. Allen & Co. Vest Pocket Deringer
22 Vest Pocket Single Shot Deringer by E. Allen & Co. c. 1869-1871. Total quantity estimated several thousand.
22 rimfire, breech loaded. Brass frame. 2" octagon/round barrel. Pivots to right for loading; made without extractor.
Serial (batch) numbered.
Walnut grips. Blued or plated barrel with brass frames bright.
Barrel marking E. ALLEN & CO. MAKERS.
One of smallest American made deringer type pistols; overall measures just 4":
5A-087
| 5A-087 | Values—Good $275 | Fine $750 |
E. Allen & Co. 32 Deringer
32 Deringer Pistol by E. Allen & Co. Made c.1865 to 1871. Total quantity very limited; believed less than the 41 Deringer.
32 rimfire breechloader. Part round/part octagon barrels with lengths known 2", 3-1/2" and 4" (barrel thicknesses vary also; both thin and thick walled); 6" barrel rare, worth premium. Pivots to the right for loading; automatic extraction.
Walnut grips; iron frame; bird’s head butt. Blued or plated finish. Brass frame rare; worth premium.
Serial numbered. Barrel markings: E. ALLEN & CO WORCESTER MASS./ALLEN’S PAT MCH.7. 1865. Large frame and handle size about same as the 41 Deringer but contours unique to this model. Very scarce:
5A-088
| 5A-088 | Values—Good $250 | Fine $650 |
E. Allen & Co. 41 Deringer
41 Deringer Pistol by E. Allen & Co. Made c. 1865-1871; total quantity very limited;