This scarce pistol is a six-shot percussion revolver in .36 “Navy” caliber made by Allen and Wheelock, numbered 269, likely an assembly number within a batch rather than overall serial number. About 500 are estimated to have been made in 1861-1862, but the number could be higher. The center-hammer came in after the company’s side-hammer revolvers and the percussion center-hammer Navy is also thought to have come in after the company’s lipfire Army and Navy revolvers, and uses Allen’s unique design of a hinged triggerguard doubling as the loading lever. They were offered in number of barrel lengths: 5, 6, 7½, and 8 inch barrels are known. This one has an unusual barrel, though of correct octagonal form, measuring 6 ¼ inches and lacking the usual barrel address and patent stamps.

The U.S. government reported 536 Allen revolvers of unspecified model purchased during the war. McAulay thinks only 198 of these were .44 caliber centerhammer revolvers and the remainder .36 caliber side-hammer revolvers. Nevertheless, these pistols were subject to private purchase and are considered by Flayderman as martial handguns.

The metal is largely smooth and a dull silver mixed with a little light gray with some darker gray spots on the frame and cylinder. The top of the frame has a few tiny dings. The barrel, however, shows some thin blue. The grips have a tight fit to the frame, good color and edges, but with some wear to the finish and minor handling marks. Overall the pistol rates about very good for condition. Allen is a respected name in the history of American gunmaking. This would be a nice addition to a collection devoted to his products.  [sr] [ph:L]

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