Allen & Wheelock Serial Numbers
Introduction
In an effort to test this assumption—or alternatively to confirm the use of batch or assembly numbers—I began collecting as many serial and batch numbers as possible. My research has been limited to the Center-Hammer Army and Navy revolvers (both Percussion and Lipfire), as well as the Side-Hammer percussion Navy, Belt, and Pocket models.
The serial/batch numbers observed have been gathered largely from auction records available online, supplemented by information from fellow collectors and published sources. Where possible, I have distinguished between the known variations of each revolver model. The results of this research are listed below with a dedicated section for each model.
At this stage, I have encountered only a few duplicate numbers on certain models. Where possible, I have noted whether photo evidence exists to confirm these duplicates. The rarity of such instances can exclude the theory of assembly numbers and may instead support the idea that multiple batches have been produced, each with their own serial numbers.
If you own a Center-Hammer revolver or a Side-Hammer percussion revolver and would be willing to share the serial number to support this research—or if you have conducted similar research yourself—I would be most grateful if you contacted me via the contact form.
The Side-Hammer Navy revolver was produced in four variants:
- First type: trigger guard with a friction-latch system and a three-screw side plate.
- Second type, Variant 1: trigger guard with the improved snap latch, while retaining the multi-screw side plate.
- Second type, Variant 2: same as Variant 1, but with a simplified cylinder design.
- Third type: redesigned side plate secured with only a single screw.
Given the limited production quantities of the first two types, I have grouped them together for classification purposes, while the third type—representing the vast majority of production—has been assigned its own range.
1st and 2nd Type Side Hammer Navy Percussion
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 10, 13, 17, 20, 23, 39, 44, 46, 70 |
101-200 | 117, 118, 173 |
3rd Type Side Hammer Navy Percussion
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 3, 27, 41 |
101-200 | 134, 139, 171, 184 |
201-300 | 213, 215, 270 |
301-400 | 315, 327, 331, 334, 351, 367 |
401-500 | 407, 414, 415, 433, 438, 441, 447, 451, 478 |
501-600 | 505, 531, 544, 549, 555, 562, 567, 587, 591, 598 |
Observations and conclussions 3rd type
- Highest number observed : 598
- Total revolvers observed : 35 (5,9%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 0
No duplicates have been observed to date.
The Side-Hammer Belt revolver shows the greatest variety among the models, but can be classified into five main types:
- First to Forth types: very limited production, featuring four different side plate designs, two cylinder types, and two trigger guard variations.
- Fifth type: equipped with the improved snap-latch trigger guard, a simplified side plate secured with a single screw, and the final simplified cylinder design.
Given the limited production and low survival rate of the first four types, I have grouped them together, while the fifth type—representing the vast majority of production—has been assigned its own range.
1st to 4th Type Side Hammer Belt Percussion
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 3, 6, 8, 21, 26, 38, 57, 62 |
101-above | 187, 213, 228 |
5th Type Side Hammer Belt Percussion
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 1, 25(2x), 30, 84, 93, 100 |
101-200 | 106, 118, 159, 163 |
201-300 | 234, 276, 286, 290 |
301-400 | 301, 321, 324, 327, 358, 369, 386 |
401-500 | 405, 440, 444, 468 |
501-600 | 537, 541, 543, 546(2x), 567, 597 |
601-700 | 602, 605, 616, 618, 627, 655, 665 |
701-800 | 710, 773, 781(2x), 782, 791 |
801-900 | 810, 866, 880, 889 |
901-1000 | 901 |
Observations and conclussions 5th type
- Highest number observed : 901
- Total revolvers observed : 53 (5,9%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 3
I have recorded possible duplicates at Serial/Batch numbers 25, 546, and 781. However, this information comes from online sources without photographic evidence to confirm the numbers.
Known provenances
- #546 with 6″ barrel was owned by Henry Martyn Cist, who enlisted in the 6th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
- #655 was owned by Edward J. Grimes, Corporal with Company H of the 6th Massachusetts from April through August 1861
The Side-Hammer Pocket revolver was produced in three variants:
- First type: trigger guard with a friction-latch system and a three-screw side plate.
- Second type: redesigned side plate with a two-screw pattern.
- Third type: simplified side plate with a single screw, combined with the improved snap-latch trigger guard.
As with the Belt model, I have grouped the 1st and 2nd types within the same serial range, while assigning the 3rd type its own range.
1st and 2nd Type Side Hammer Pocket Percussion
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 78, 80 |
101-200 | 108, 120 |
201-300 | 224 |
3rd Type Side Hammer Pocket Percussion
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
201-300 | 261 |
301-400 | 337, 346 |
401-500 | 414, 421, 439, 440(2x), 447, 469, 477, 496 |
501-600 | 5,27, 567, 578, 579 |
601-700 | 620 |
701-800 | 707, 762 |
801-900 | 862, 870, 880 |
Observations and conclussions 5th type
- Highest number observed : 880
- Total revolvers observed : 22 (2,5%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 1
I have identified a possible duplicate at serial/batch number 440, based on information from online sources and Harald Mouillesseaux’s book. However, there is no photographic evidence to confirm the serials.
The Center Hammer Army Percussion revolver has been produced in 3 main variants and I have classified the observed numbers accordingly. The serial numbers of the first two types start at #1, while the third type starts at #2001.
1st Type Army Percussion
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 7, 8, 10, 13, 20, 21, 26, 43, 46, 47, 57, 59, 61, 66, 77, 84, 93, 98 |
101-200 | 101, 110, 116(2x), 124, 130, 131, 136, 140, 145, 148, 151, 156, 159, 170, 174, 179, 180, 191, 193, 194, 195, 199 |
201-300 | 204, 208, 211, 222, 228, 229, 233, 240, 247, 257, 258, 261, 269, 265, 277, 283, 284, 292 |
301-400 | 307, 315, 325, 331, 338, 339(2x), 345, 367 |
401-500 | 401, 406, 409, 424, 426, 438, 455 460, 473, 485 |
501-600 | 501, 522 |
601-700 | 612 |
701-800 | 780 |
Observations and conclussions
- Highest number observed : 780
- Total revolvers observed : 82 (10,5%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 2
I have identified one duplicate at Serial/Batch number 339, with photographic evidence confirming the duplication. Still following the assumption that serial numbers have been used, this could indicate that two full production batches were made, each one started at #1.
It is also worth noting that a significantly larger number of surviving specimens appear in the lower ranges (below #300).
2nd Type Army Percussion
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 3, 8, 19, 29, 47, 48, 50, 59, 59, 84, 86, 88, 89, 98 |
101-200 | 101, 107, 112, 117, 120, 124, 128, 136, 146, 148, 151, 156, 159, 177, 198 |
201-300 | 201, 209, 219, 239, 251, 258, 277, 282 |
301-400 | 303, 307, 311, 314, 318, 318, 323, 329, 334, 346, 347, 355, 369 |
401-500 | 425, 441, 473, 476 |
501-600 | 503, 519, 575 |
601-700 | 628, 653, 684 |
Observations and conclussions
- Highest number observed : 684
- Total revolvers observed : 58 (8,5%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 0
No duplicates have been observed to date.
3rd Type Army Percussion
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
2001-2100 | (2)004 |
2101-2200 | (2)165, (2)191 |
2301-2400 | (2)317, (2)318, (2)322, (2)334, (2)347, (2)381 |
2401-2500 | (2)444, (2)497 |
Observations and conclussions
- Highest number observed : (2)497
- Total revolvers observed : 11 (2,2%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 0
No duplicates have been observed to date.
The Center-Hammer Navy Percussion revolver exists in only one type.
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 1, 6, 8, 13, 14, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 43, 45, 48, 77, 82(2x), 93 |
101-200 | 106(2x), 117, 119, 131, 133, 136, 156, 159, 180, 182, 186, 199 |
201-300 | 219, 241, 243, 251, 256, 266, 269, 270, 275, 279, 298 |
301-400 | 304, 341, 343, 390, 394, 399 |
401-500 | 422, 438, 439, 486, 487, 499 |
Observations and conclussions
- Highest number observed : 499
- Total revolvers observed : 53 (10,6%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 2
I have recorded two possible duplicates at Serial/Batch number 82 and 106, though without photographic confirmation. Still following the assumption that serial numbers have been used, this could indicate that two full production batches were made, each one started at #1.
The Center Hammer Army Lipfire revolver was produced in two variants or types:
- First type: The loading gate hinged on the top. Only a very small number of this type were produced.
- Second type: The loading gate hinged on the bottom.
1st Type Army Lipfire
Serial NUMBER Range | Serial numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 1, 3, 11, 25, 32, 42, 50 |
101-200 | 151, 161, 164 |
It is documented that revolver number 164 was owned by Lt. Col. Melvin Beal of Company F, 6th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
2nd Type Army Lipfire
Serial NUMBER Range | Serial numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 14, 16, 22, 23, 30, 32, 40, 45, 56, 59, 73, 80, 82, 89, 90, 96, 99 |
101-200 | 107, 118, 121, 125, 127, 135, 137, 138, 141, 147, 150, 151, 154, 156, 157, 159, 160(2x), 170, 171, 172, 173, 175, 177, 200 |
201-300 | 201, 204, 207, 208, 235, 250, 258, 276, 283, 295 |
301-400 | 324, 343, 345, 350, 351 |
Observations and conclussions
- Highest number observed : 351
- Total revolvers observed : 58 (16,5%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 1
I have recorded a possible duplicate at Serial/Batch numbers 160. However, this information comes from online sources without photographic evidence to confirm the numbers.
Known provenances
- Around 34 Lipfire Army revolvers were purchased by the Canadian military circa 1868. Storage return records from the Montreal area, dated 1872, list the following serial numbers: 89, 90, 127, 147, 150, 201, 250, 295, 345, and 351. Reference: Clive W. Law, Canadian Military Handguns 1855–1985, p. 110.
- Revolver number 177 was owned by Lt. George Merrill of the 48th Regiment, Massachusetts.
The Center-Hammer Navy Lipfire revolver exists in only one type.
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 3, 5, 22, 35, 42, 46, 52, 60, 63, 66, 71, 98 |
101-200 | 106, 110, 111, 119, 131, 134, 146, 156, 158, 167 |
201-300 | 201, 206, 210, 225, 232, 251, 274, 295 |
301-400 | 319, 337, 345, 350, 356, 366 |
401-500 | 416, 427, 444 |
Observations and conclussions
- Highest number observed : 444
- Total revolvers observed : 39 (8,8%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 0
No duplicates have been observed to date.