FIRST MODEL ALLEN AND WHEELOCK .32 CALIBER SIDEHAMMER RIMFIRE REVOLVER

$595.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 1052-235

This is a good early production example of this .32 rimfire revolver, made from 1859 to 1862, that was made before the addition of the “July 3, 1860” date on the right frame and still has a strong dog-chasing-rabbits cylinder scene, which Flayderman notes is usually lightly rolled, appears only on some pistols, and those usually of an early date. Allen and Wheelock made only about a thousand of these pistols, which Flayderman breaks down into three models, though mentioning eight distinct types. This falls into his First Model category, with iron frame, walnut grip, button head cylinder pin secured by screw at the front of the frame, quick-drop grip, etc.

The barrel is 3 1/2-inches long and the mortised front sight is in place. The metal overall is smooth, with just some light scratches, and good markings on the left barrel flat: “Allen & Wheelock Worcester MS. U.S. / Allen’s Pat’s Sept. 7. Nov.9, 1858.” The cylinder is six-shot and the cylinder pin retaining screw is batch numbered 247. The cylinder scene shows a dog with open mouth racing toward two rather unconcerned rabbits, with farmhouse and farm fields in the background. The roll engraving is very crisp and distinct, enough that if you did not know it was roll engraved, it would be tempting to suppose at first it was done by hand, something else pointing to an early production pistol. The metal on these was blued. The frame and barrel show a mix of gray and plum brown, but the cylinder retains distinct thin blue tones. The grip has a tight fit and good color but does show flaked areas to the varnish, some scratches, and some light wear around the edges of the butt. The action works and indexes properly, but done not hold at half cock, so some minor tinkering might be order.

These were handy personal arms for civilians, officers, and likely some enlisted men sneaking them into camp at the beginning of the Civil War. For the collector they are an interesting combination of styling in the old-fashioned sidehammer, and “quick-drop” grip, along with a sleek spur trigger and up-to-date metallic cartridges. [sr] [ph:m]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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