This specimen of a vintage rimfire percussion sidearm emanated from the Worcester manufacturing center in Massachusetts. Designated the Allen 32 Sidehammer rimfire revolver model, the gun is an early production, 32 caliber sidearm of which a total quantity of over 1,000 such handguns were produced from 1859 through the early 1860s. In good overall condition, this handgun has a 6-shot unrebated cylinder matched to a 4” long, octagonal barrel. Cylinder shows 50 to 60% of the lightly engraved scene of dogs chasing rabbits. It also has one area of moderate rust pitting.  Sidearm has an iron frame, iron backstrap and a spur trigger. In mechanically good condition, the revolver could use some cleaning and oiling. The iron frame has the  ‘quick-drop’ pattern. No original colors on the frame or barrel. Plain two-piece grips are of unvarnished walnut and are in very good condition with smooth even wear with one small chip at the left grip’s back edge. Barrel address marking thin but readable with “ALLEN & WHEELOCK WORCESTOR, MASS. U.S. / ALLEN’S PATENTS SEPT. 7, NOV 9, 1858”.  Overall the revolver exhibits a dark gray coloring with scattered areas of rust pitting. Frame screws very good.   This Allen & Wheelock Sidehammer .32 caliber revolver makes a great collectible.     

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!