Allen & Thurber Side Hammer Target Pistols
Allen & Thurber Side Hammer Target Pistols
  • Production period:

    From the mid 1840's to around 1854

  • Production quantity:

    Very few, estimated at around 200 for each of the two variants

The single-shot light target pistol, designed specifically for precision target shooting, entered production shortly after the company’s relocation from Norwich to Worcester. It was developed as a heavier, improved version of the standard single-shot boot pistol and was offered in a variety of calibers, including .34, .41, and .45, with barrel lengths ranging from 6 to 10 inches.

As a dedicated target pistol, it features adjustable front and rear sights, a relatively light trigger pull, and a spur beneath the trigger guard to provide additional support for the shooter’s hand. The earliest examples, however, were fitted with plain trigger guards without the spur. A wooden ramrod is mounted beneath the barrel. In most cases, the ramrod is housed in a steel tube, although some examples are fitted with a brass tube.

The barrel is typically marked ALLEN & THURBER WORCESTER CASTSTEEL, although some examples bear the marking ALLEN THURBER & CO instead.

The standard model is fitted with a grip secured by a single screw, while the larger-frame variant features a noticeably larger grip retained by two screws.

Allen & Thurber Sidehammer Target Pistol - Right side view
Standard version Allen & Thurber target pistol
Large Frame Allen & Thurber Target Pistol having the 2 screw grips. Note the brass housing for the ramrod.
COLLECTION PIECES

Standard size model with 8″ barrel

  • Caliber:

    41

  • Serial number

    99

  • Length:

    Barrel:20,3 cm (8"), Total:32cm

  • Weight:

    877 gr

  • Barrel marking:

    ALLEN & THURBER WORCHESTER CASTSTEEL

This standard size pistol is from the Worcester era and is markedĀ ALLEN & THURBER.