An overview of Allen’s Rifles and Shotguns
Introduction
It is clear that during the Grafton and Norwich periods, rifle production was not a priority for Ethan Allen. Although some rifles were manufactured during these years, they are relatively scarce. In the Worcester period, greater attention was given to rifle production, but it remained a secondary activity compared with the manufacture of handguns.
Nevertheless, it is remarkable that Allen developed such a diverse line of long arms suitable for virtually every type of sporting and target shooting. His offerings included single- and double-barrel rifles, single- and double-barrel shotguns, over-and-under firearms, side-by-side rifle/shotgun combinations, breech-loading percussion and cartridge rifles, and breech-loading double-barrel shotguns.
Because production numbers were generally limited, Allen’s rifles are seldom encountered on today’s collectors’ market. The principal exception is the drop-breech rimfire rifle, which proved commercially successful and remained in production for an extended period.
Across all of Allen’s rifle models, numerous variations can be found in both configuration and finish. The standard offering was a field-grade firearm, but higher-grade examples featuring fine engraving, select walnut stocks, and expertly executed checkering were also available.
Side Hammer and Inside Hammer Percussion Target Rifles
The defining feature of both the side-hammer and inside-hammer rifles is the steel wrist. Ethan Allen referred to these models as the No. 10 Side-Cock Rifle and the No. 10 Inside-Cock Rifle, respectively. The center-hammer rifles were produced only in field-grade configuration, whereas many of the side-hammer rifles were offered in higher-grade finishes.
Another distinctive characteristic of the field-grade rifles is the steel forearm. All models were fitted with heavy octagonal barrels in calibers ranging from .36 to .50. On field-grade rifles, the barrel was permanently fixed to the frame. By contrast, the higher-grade side-hammer rifles featured a takedown barrel that could be removed by unscrewing a threaded bolt located beneath the frame.
Tap (Faucet) Breech Rifle
This rifle is know as the tap breech, faucet breech or monkey tail rifle. The patent US13154 for the breech mechanism was granted to Allen on July 3, 1855. Ethan Allen has made this sturdy and practical design very likely with military contracts in mind. There isn’t any firm prove but it is believed that field trials have been made. This could explain why Allen has waited a long time before introducing these rifles on the civil market. Unfortunately, this rifle came at the end of the percussion period which probably explained why it had only limited success. Total production is estimated at around 350 only.
The design consisted of a rotating drum located in the breech that was activated by an operating lever. By raising the lever, a paper cartridge could be inserted into the breech. Closing the breech aligned the bullet with the barrel and exposed the powder to the nipple. The rifles have been produced in 38, 42, 44, 48 and 54 caliber and with barrel lengths from 22 to 36 inchesÂ
Percussion and Lipfire Revolving Rifles
The revolving rifles are among the rarest of Ethan Allen’s long arms. These rifles bear a strong resemblance to the center-hammer percussion and lipfire revolvers, sharing many of the same design features. They also incorporate several innovative elements that are described in U.S. Patents No. 21,400 and No. 35,067.
The first patent covers the gas deflector, or snout, designed to shield the forward hand from the escaping flash and gases produced at the cylinder gap. The second patent describes a rack-and-pinion mechanism that withdraws the cylinder pin, allowing the cylinder to be removed. This mechanism is operated by the crank located on the side of the frame.
In addition, the barrel could be quickly detached by removing a screw located in the top of the frame. This takedown system is identical to that described in U.S. Patent No. 33,033 for the Dropping Block rifle.
Drop Breech Rifle
The Drop Block Breech Rifle, also known as the Falling Block Rifle, is distinguished by its graceful, streamlined profile. It was produced in two frame sizes. The small-frame model was chambered for the .35 Rimfire and .38 Rimfire cartridges, while the large-frame model was designed for the .42 Rimfire and .44 Rimfire cartridges. The standard rifle featured a blued steel frame and barrel, although the small-frame version was also manufactured with a brass frame.
Production began around 1860. Manufacture of the small-frame rifle continued until the end of the Allen & Wheelock period in 1865, whereas the large-frame model remained in production well into the Forehand & Wadsworth era, until approximately 1880. All models were of the takedown type: by removing the retaining screw located at the top of the frame, the barrel could be detached from the action for convenient transport or cleaning.
In keeping with Ethan Allen’s tradition, the trigger guard also served as the operating lever, in this case lowering the breechblock for loading and unloading. Early rifles were fitted with the distinctive swing front sight, one of the model’s most recognizable features. On later production rifles, this sight was replaced by a conventional blade front sight. For target shooting, the rifle could also be equipped with Allen’s patented tang sight.
Although the basic design remained largely unchanged throughout its production life, numerous variations were introduced. Later rifles were manufactured for centerfire cartridges, and many earlier rimfire rifles were subsequently converted to centerfire. While no official military contracts are known, collectors generally regard the large-frame rifles as secondary military arms.
Hinged Breech Double Barrel Shotgun
hese breech-loading shotguns were introduced during the E. Allen & Co. period and represent not only some of Ethan Allen’s finest firearms, but also among the finest American-made sporting shotguns of their era. They were offered in three grades, priced between $100 and $150, making them among the most expensive American-made shotguns of the period.
The hinged-breech action was protected by U.S. Patent No. 49,491, granted to Allen in August 1865. This robust and elegantly engineered system provided rapid loading while maintaining a secure lock-up of the barrels.
The shotguns were chambered for Allen’s reusable steel shotshells, which were covered by U.S. Patent No. 47,688, granted in May 1865. Although innovative and well engineered, these reusable metallic shotshells were soon eclipsed by the development of more practical self-contained shotgun cartridges.
Continue exploring Ethan Allen’s legacy
Ethan Allen’s pepperbox stands out as one of the most recognized weapons among his creations. An introduction to the fascinating world of Allen pepperboxes.
Ethan Allen has designed and produced an incredible variety of pistols and revolvers, both percussion and cartridge . An overview of all the principle models.