Ethan Allen's bar hammer, double action pepperbox revolvers were popular in the antebellum era and remained in use during the Civil War. High condition examples are hard to find since so many saw use. This incredibly high condition pepperbox was manufactured c. 1847-1856 by Allen & Thurber after the company moved to Worcester, Massachusetts. The six-shot barrel group has "ALLEN & THURBER" (double stamped) and "WORCESTER" on one rib and "PATENTED 1837 CAST-STEEL" on another. The hammer is marked "ALLEN'S PATENT" on the left side. The nipple shield and frame have scroll engraving. Matching serial/batch numbers are marked on the barrel group, trigger guard, mainspring, front strap, and both grips. The trigger guard and front strap also have the assembly number "5." It comes in a very rare and also high condition mahogany case along with a dual cavity bullet mold, loading and cleaning rods, three-compartment powder flask with red leather wrap, a key, and an assortment of balls and pill shaped bullets. Provenance: The Herbert Green Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Exceptionally fine. The barrel group retains 98% plus of the original blue finish with only one small streak of fading near the bright muzzle, and the frame retains 50% plus original blue finish with the loss due to typical flaking and a smooth brown patina on the balance. The engraving remains crisp. The grips are also excellent and have minimal light handling and storage wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine and have minimal light age and storage related wear such as some compression marks on the otherwise remarkable lining.