Allen's .32RF Sidehammer Revolvers
Commercial era:
Allen & Wheelock
E.Allen & Co
General information
Production of the .32 rimfire revolvers began shortly after the start of the .22 rimfire revolvers. Beside the upscale in size, the 32 revolvers are from a design perspective is almost identical to the .22 revolvers with the typical hammer on the side of the frame.
The revolvers have a standard 6 shot capacity in .32 short. As with the .22 models, the cylinder had to be removed for loading and unloading, using the cylinder pin to push the empty shells out of the cylinder. In later production a version with long cylinder for the .32 long cartridge was introduced.
As for the .22 revolvers, the production stopped in November 1863 and resumed during the E. Ellan & Co period in 1869 after the expiration of the Rollin White patent.
The revolvers have a standard blued steel frame, cylinder and octagonal barrel with lengths of three, four or five inches. In the last period of production, brass frames were also made. The grips are of walnut wood.
The early models have beautiful scroll-engraved cylinders with a country scene of dogs chasing a rabbit. In later models, this engraving was omitted.
Three main variations of the revolver can be distinguished. Below is an overview of the main characteristics that can be used to identify the models.
First model: This model has a screw on the bottom of the frame that holds the cylinder pin in place. The grip is of the “quick drop” type, with an almost straight angle. The hammer face is completely round. The recoil shield is quite thick.
Second model: From this model onwards the cylinder pin is held in place by a spring-loaded latch. All types of hammers can be found on this model (hammer face fully round, half-round-half-square and fully square). The recoil shield is thinner and rounded. Early production of this model has cylinder engraving which is not present on later production.
Third model: This model has a new, more elegant frame with a “slow drop” grip as we know from the S&W revolvers of that time. Only the fully square hammer face is found on these models. The revolver could be supplied with a cylinder length of .94″ for the .32 short cartridge or with a cylinder length of 1.2″ for the more powerful .32 long cartridge. Towards the end of the production period, brass frame revolvers were also made, both for the short and for the long cylinder configuration.
First model
This is a First model which can immediately be seen by the screw at the bottom of the frame to hold the cylinder pin in place.
Late Second model
This is a Second model having the new cylinder pin latch locking. The recoil plate is now a lot thinner, and the hammer has a square head indicating that it is a late production. The revolver shown is in near mint condition with a nickel-plated finish which is quite rarely seen.
Third model with long cylinder
This is a Third model having the slow drop S&W style grip. This one has the type of cylinder allowing for the 32RF long cartridge. Without cylinder engraving.
