Allen's .32RF Sidehammer Revolvers
Commercial era:
Allen & Wheelock
E.Allen & Co
Content:
Detailed pictures of collection models
Overview
Production of the side-hammer 32RF revolvers began shortly after the introduction of the 22RF models. Aside from their larger size, the .32 revolvers closely mirror the .22 versions in overall design with the characteristic side-mounted hammer on the frame.
These revolvers typically feature a six-shot capacity in .32 Short. As with the .22 rimfire models, users had to remove the cylinder for loading and unloading, using the cylinder pin to eject spent cartridges. Later in production, Allen introduced a variant with a longer cylinder to accommodate the .32 Long cartridge.
Production halted in November 1863 due to a patent infringement lawsuit but resumed in 1869 during the E. Allen & Co. period after the Rollin White patent expired.
The revolvers were standard finished with blued steel frames, cylinders, and octagonal barrels measuring three, four, or five inches in length. Toward the end of production, the company produced limited numbers with brass frames, which are now considered rare. Walnut grips came standard.
Early models featured finely scroll-engraved cylinders depicting a country scene of dogs chasing a rabbit. In later production, the engraving was omitted.
Variations
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 cylinder pin setscrew on the bottom of the frame. The grip is of the “quick drop” type, with an almost straight angle. The hammer face is completely round and the recoil shield is quite thick. The early 1st models have a cylinder length of .905″ while later versions have a length of .940″
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 still has the cylinder engraving while for later production this was omitted.
Somewhere mid production of the 2nd model, the patent date marking of July 3, 1860 appeared on the side of the frame.
This patent referenced the raised area on the recoil shield to avoid jamming of the cylinder by expanded cases after having been fired. However, the raised area had already been applied on most of the first models and on all 2nd models.
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. Barrel and frame marking identical to the 2nd model.
Towards the end of the production period, brass frame revolvers were also produced in very limited quantities, both for the short and for the long cylinder configuration.
Forth model:
The production resumed in 1869 in the Ethan Allen & Co period. Other than the barrel markings and the change of the front sight to a blade, these revolvers are a continuation of the third model.
Early First model Side-Hammer 32RF revolver
This is a First model which can immediately be seen by the screw at the bottom of the frame to retain the cylinder pin in place. It has the .905 cylinder which indicates early production.
Late Second model Side-Hammer 32RF revolver
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 Side-Hammer 32RF revolver 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.
Brass frame Third model Side-Hammer 32RF revolver with long cylinder
This is a very rare third model having a brass frame. Only a limited quantity has been produced and might even be considered experimental. The brass frame was in most cases silver plated but to see one with more than a trace remaining is extremely rare. This one has the long cylinder for the 32RF long cartridge. The parts of this revolver have a double numbering (see pics). The purpose for this is not clear to me.
