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 primary variations of the revolver can be identified. The following overview outlines the distinguishing characteristics of each model.
First Model: This version features a cylinder pin secured by a setscrew located at the bottom of the frame. It is equipped with a ‘quick drop’ style grip, characterized by an almost straight angle. The hammer face is fully rounded, and the recoil shield is notably thick. Early first-model variants have a cylinder length of 0.905 inches, while later examples measure 0.940 inches.
Second model: Beginning with this version, the cylinder pin is retained by a spring-loaded latch. This model can be found with various hammer types, including fully rounded, half-round/half-square, and fully square hammer faces. The recoil shield is thinner and more rounded in profile. Early examples retain the cylinder engraving, while it was omitted in later production.
Midway through production of the Second Model, a patent date marking of July 3, 1860, was added to the side of the frame.
This patent referred to the raised portion of the recoil shield, designed to prevent the cylinder from jamming due to expanded cartridge cases after firing. However, this raised feature had already been implemented on most First Models and on all Second Models.
Third model: This version features a redesigned, more elegant frame with a ‘slow drop’ grip, similar to that found on contemporary Smith & Wesson revolvers. Only the fully square hammer face is encountered on these models.
The revolver was available with a 0.94-inch cylinder for the .32 Short cartridge, or with a 1.2-inch cylinder for the more powerful .32 Long cartridge. Barrel and frame markings are identical to those of the second model.
Toward the end of the production period, a limited number of revolvers with brass frames were also manufactured, in both short and long cylinder configurations.
Forth model:
Following the forced halt in production in 1863, manufacturing resumed in 1869 under Ethan Allen & Co. Apart from updated barrel markings and the adoption of a blade-style front sight, these revolvers are essentially a continuation of the third model.
Early First Model Allen & Wheelock 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 Allen & Wheelock 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 Allen & Wheelock 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 Allen & Wheelock 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.
