Allen's Patents
Ethan Allen stands as a very inventive figure in early American firearms manufacturing, leaving behind a legacy defined by ingenuity, and relentless experimentation. As a pioneering gun maker of the 19th century, Allen contributed significantly to the evolution of portable firearms during a period of rapid technological change.
This page offers a comprehensive overview of the patents filed under his name, showcasing the breadth of his innovations—from early pepperbox revolvers to advancements in ignition systems and firearm mechanisms. Beyond the firearms themselves, Allen also played an important role in improving the machinery used to produce them, as well as in the development and refinement of metallic cartridge production.
By exploring these patents, visitors gain insight into the inventive mind of Ethan Allen and the foundational role his work played in shaping modern firearms and the industrial processes behind them.
The patents are grouped by typology:
===== To get the full original patent drawings and text, simply click on the patent number =====
It all started with this patent. It describes the mechanism for firing the pistol by simply pulling the trigger, thus eliminating the need to cock the hammer first. The trigger is connected to the hammer via a tumbler. By pulling the trigger the hammer gets cocked until the moment the tumbler releases the hammer. Under the pressure of the main spring, the hammer falls back to the initial position, causing the shot to be fired. This double action system was a true revolution for this time. The Tube Hammer pistol is the first gun to use the system and gives Ethan Allen his first commercial success. The same mechanism is used in all Bar Hammer pistols and pepperboxes that Ethan Allen subsequently puts on the market.
The patent describes an improvement of the 461 patent mechanism using only the mainspring to operate the hammer, the dog, and the trigger, simplifying the lock mechanism significantly by eliminating two springs. The patent also outlines a new improved method for revolving the barrel cluster, using a pitman and ratchet (a series of angular teeth on the back of the barrel cluster.