Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice single shot percussion overcoat pistol, made circa 1860 for the U.S. Market by Ethan Allen of Massachusetts (1808-1871). Allen developed his Gun business by taking his brother-in-law Charles Thurber as his partner, originally setting up shop in Norwich, CT, which as a major gun making center at the time. They were one of the earliest makers of pistols in the city, and sources usually cite 1842 as when they began production, though some use 1835 as the start date. Ethan Allen, no relation to the Revolutionary Ethan Allen, had applied for various patents, most notably early on for a "TUBE HAMMER" ignition system in 1837, which was renewed in 1845 with significant improvements to the design. In 1847, the company moved the production plant to Worcester, Mass., and as before manufactured many quality pepperbox pistols.

However, they still produced many other firearms throughout their history, such as this smart single shot rifled overcoat pistol. Our offered example measures approximately 8 inches long with a 4 inch barrel, and was intended to fit in the large pockets of a man's overcoat. While not large bore by any means, the .35" caliber would still pack a punch, and the rifled barrel would give it a bit more range. The top of the barrel nocks form is marked with the maker:

The company was known by various names over the years. From 1842 to 1854 it was known as Allen & Thurber, and had operated in both Norwich, CT and Worcester, MA. As there is no location marking, there is no way to tell exactly where it was made, however it has the more "gentle" curve to the grip typical of the Worcester era, so we believe it was made circa 1850.

Ethan Allen later took into his business another brother-in-law, Thomas Wheelock, in 1854, when the company would be come Allen, Thurber & Co. and then Allen & Wheelock once Thurber retired in 1856. In 1865, after Wheelock's passing, Allen's two Sons-in-law, Sullivan Forehand and Henry Wadsworth joined the company, which returned to the name E. Allen & Company. These two would then continue the business after Ethan Allen's death in 1871. Most interesting that all these names have become an integral part of the U.S. arms industry.

The pistol has a single 4 inch steel rifled barrel in approximately .35" Caliber. The pistol is marked with serial number 501 on the frame under the grips, on the left grip scale, and on the inside of the trigger guard. It looks like the marking on the right scale was removed when wood was removed, and the serial on the underside of the barrel is too worn to read. We however do not think that any of the parts have been swapped out, as they match in level of wear and patina.

It has lovely bag-style walnut grip plates, which are quite attractive, still retaining some of the original varnish. The trigger is protected by a sizable trigger guard, which would help when concealed to prevent accidental firing. The condition is very good considering the age, and shows a gray speckled patina over the frame and action. The single action lock works well, and does not have any provision for a half cock position on the tumbler / hammer. We checked the bore, and the 6 groove rifling is still clear, though there is definitely oxidation and fouling.

A very nice overcoat percussion pistol, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber:  approx .37"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Action: Top Percussion Single action
Feed System: Single Shot

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