It is widely believed that Ethan Allen drew inspiration from the Colt Root Revolver when designing these side-hammer revolvers, as evidenced by their close similarities, including the side hammer and the rear-entering cylinder pin. As a result, this revolver is also known as the “Allen’s Colt.” This revolver represented a major improvement over the transitional Bar Hammer models. It was a far more advanced weapon, incorporating several unique features described in the following patents:
- US16367 : Covers the revolver’s most distinctive feature, in which the trigger guard also functions as a bullet-loading lever.
- US18836 : Describes the mechanism for cylinder rotation and locking.
- US21400 : Covers an improved cylinder pin design. These revolvers were produced in three distinct frame sizes: a 6-shot Navy model in .36 caliber, a 5-shot Belt model in .32 caliber, and a 5-shot Pocket model in .28 caliber.
All models are marked on the left side of the barrel with:
ALLEN & WHEELOCK. WORCHESTER, MASS. U.S. ALLEN’S PT’S. JAN. 13. DEC. 15. 1857 SEPT. 7. 1858,
except for early production examples, which do not include the 1858 patent date.
The revolvers feature a blued barrel and frame, along with a case-hardened hammer, cylinder, trigger, and trigger guard. The cylinders are attractively scroll engraved and depict animal scenes set in a forest, with a different scene for each caliber.
The variants
Despite the short production period, numerous variants of these revolvers exist, suggesting that Allen continually refined the design to simplify manufacturing and reduce costs. Variations can be found in the side plate, cylinder, cylinder pin, and trigger-guard latch. The Belt revolver shows the greatest variety, likely because it was the first model produced, followed by the Navy and shortly thereafter the Pocket model.
In addition to many minor differences, the primary visual distinguishing feature is the shape of the side plate and the number of screw holes. The side plates have been classified below in what appears to be the most logical evolutionary sequence. The vast majority of production used the Type 6 “one-screw” side plate.
A final distinguishing feature is the trigger-guard locking system. Early production revolvers used a friction-latch system, which proved relatively weak and was soon replaced by a snap-latch system that remained unchanged for the rest of production.
Using these characteristics, a simplified classification can be made according to the tables below. The cylinder type is treated here as a variant rather than a primary type differentiator.
The Belt Model
| Type | Side Plate | Cylinder | Trigger Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1st – Var 1 |
Type 1 |
Type 1 |
Friction latch |
|
1st – Var 2 |
Type 1 |
Type 2 |
Friction latch |
|
2nd |
Type 2 |
Type 1 |
Friction latch |
|
3rd |
Type 4 |
Type 2 |
Friction latch |
|
4th – Var 1 |
Type 5 |
Type 2 |
Friction latch |
|
4th – Var 2 |
Type 5 |
Type 3 |
Friction latch |
|
5th |
Type 6 |
Type 3 |
Snap latch |
The Navy Model
| Type | Side Plate | Cylinder | Trigger Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1st |
Type 3 |
Type 1 |
Friction latch |
|
2nd – Var 1 |
Type 3 |
Type 1 |
Snap latch |
|
2nd – Var 2 |
Type 3 |
Type 3 |
Snap latch |
|
3rd |
Type 6 |
Type 3 |
Snap latch |
The Pocket Model
| Type | Side Plate | Cylinder | Trigger Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1st |
Type 3 |
Type 3 |
Friction latch |
|
2nd |
Type 5 |
Type 3 |
Friction latch |
|
3rd |
Type 6 |
Type 3 |
Snap latch |
Serial Numbers
There is general agreement that Ethan Allen used assembly or batch numbers on the vast majority of his firearms. Unfortunately, this provides little insight into the total quantity produced or the sequencing of specific variations. However, I believe Allen had government contracts in mind for his Side-Hammer revolvers, at least for the Navy and Belt models. Could this have influenced the decision to introduce true serial numbers on these particular models?
In an effort to test this assumption, or alternatively to confirm the use of batch or assembly numbers, I began collecting as many serial numbers as possible.
The serial numbers observed have been gathered largely from auction records available online, supplemented by information from fellow collectors and published sources.
Each of the three models was produced in several variants or types, and I have classified the observed serial numbers accordingly. However, the vast majority of revolvers belong to the final type (3rd type for the Navy and Pocket models, and 5th type for the Belt model). The analysis therefore focuses primarily on these final types.
At this stage, I have encountered a few duplicate numbers only on the Belt and the Pocket models. The rarity of such instance 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. This can also give us a better idea of the total produced quantities.
1st and 2nd Type Side-hammer Navy
The 1st and 2nd type have been produced in such limited quantities that these are not relevant for the research purpose. However for the sake of completeness, I list the observed numbers.
NUMBER Range | Serial numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 10, 13, 17, 20, 23, 39, 44, 46, 70 |
101-200 | 117, 118, 157, 173 |
3rd Type Side-hammer Navy
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 3, 27, 41, 56 |
101-200 | 134, 139, 171, 184 |
201-300 | 213, 215, 270 |
301-400 | 315, 327, 328, 331, 334, 351, 367, 374, 398 |
401-500 | 407, 414, 415, 433, 438, 441, 447, 451, 461, 478 |
501-600 | 505, 531, 536, 544, 549, 555, 562, 567, 587, 591, 598 |
Observations and conclussions 3rd type
- Highest number observed : 598
- Total revolvers observed : 42 (7%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 0
1st to 4th Type Side-hammer Belt
The first four types have been produced in such limited quantities that these are not relevant for the research purpose. However for the sake of completeness, I list the observed numbers.
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 3, 6, 8, 21, 26, 38, 57, 59, 62 |
101-above | 187, 213, 228 |
5th Type Side-hammer Belt
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 1, 12, 25(2x), 30, 84, 93, 100 |
101-200 | 106, 118, 159, 163, 186 |
201-300 | 234, 276, 286, 290 |
301-400 | 301, 321, 324, 327, 330, 354, 358, 359, 369, 381, 386 |
401-500 | 405, 440, 444, 468 |
501-600 | 537, 538, 541, 543, 546(2x), 567, 578, 580, 597 |
601-700 | 602, 605, 616, 618, 627, 655, 665 |
701-800 | 710, 773, 781(2x), 782, 791 |
801-900 | 810, 825, 866, 871, 880, 889, 893 |
901-1000 | 901, 962, 971 |
Observations and conclussions 5th type
- Highest number observed : 971
- Total revolvers observed : 66 (6,8%)
- 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
1st and 2nd Type Side-hammer Pocket
The 1st and 2nd type have been produced in such limited quantities that these are not relevant for the research purpose. However for the sake of completeness, I list the observed numbers.
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 78, 80 |
101-200 | 108, 120 |
201-300 | 224 |
3rd Type Side-hammer Pocket
NUMBER Range | Serial/Batch numbers observed |
|---|---|
1-100 | 87, 97 |
101-200 | |
201-300 | 244, 261, 289 |
301-400 | 337, 346 |
401-500 | 414, 421, 439, 440(2x), 447, 469, 477, 496 |
501-600 | 527, 567, 578, 579 |
601-700 | 602, 620, 695 |
701-800 | 707, 762 |
801-900 | 862, 870, 880 |
901- | 978 |
Observations and conclussions 3rd type
- Highest number observed : 978
- Total revolvers observed : 30 (3,1%)
- Duplicate numbers observed : 1
I have identified a possible duplicate at serial number 440, based on information from online sources and Harald Mouillesseaux’s book. However, there is no photographic evidence to confirm the serials.
Sidehammer Navy Revolver – Third Type
The Navy Side-Hammer is a notably massive revolver for its modest .36 caliber. Its fully octagonal barrel was produced in lengths ranging from 5.3 to 8 inches; the present example features the 5.3-inch barrel. As previously noted, the Navy revolver exists in numerous variations. The specimen illustrated here is the most common third type, identified by the two patent dates stamped on the barrel, a Type 3 cylinder, and a Type 6 side plate.
Sidehammer Belt Revolver – Forth type – 2nd variation – 4″ barrel
The Belt revolver is a scaled-down version of the Navy revolver. The principal distinction between the two models is that the Navy has a six-shot cylinder, whereas the Belt is equipped with a five-shot cylinder. Belt revolvers were manufactured in .31, .32, and .34 caliber, with the vast majority produced in .32 caliber. All examples were fitted with octagonal barrels, available in lengths of 4, 5, 6, or 7½ inches.
The revolver illustrated here is an early production. This 4th-type example can easily be distinguished by its 2-screw (Type 5) side plate. In addition, it has a patent marking under the trigger guard only seen on the early models. Very few of this 4th type revolvers have been manufactured.
Sidehammer Belt Revolver – Fifth type – 6″ barrel
The revolver illustrated here is a very well-preserved 5th-type example, retaining much of its original blue finish and case hardening. The 5th type is distinguished by its one-screw side plate, Type 3 cylinder, and the presence of two patent dates stamped on the barrel.
The vast majority of Belt revolvers produced were of the 5th type. Minor variations do occur within this type, as can be seen in the other examples from the collection illustrated below.
The percussion nipples on this revolver are a bit of a mystery. They have no lugs, flats, or other protrusions that a nipple wrench could engage to unscrew them.
From the P.O. Collection
Sidehammer Belt Revolver – Fifth type – 6″ barrel
This revolver as also a 5th-type example with a 6 inch barrel as the above illustrated example, however, this one has the classical percussion nipples.
Sidehammer Belt Revolver – Fifth type – 4″ barrel
And yet another example of the 5th-type. This one is in .34 caliber and has a 4 inch barrel.
Distinctive feature on this example is the saddle type hammer knurling and the presence of a pin on the right side of the frame, close to the trigger.
Continue exploring Ethan Allen’s legacy
Allen & Wheelock Center-hammer Percussion Revolvers
As the successor to the side-hammer percussion revolver, the center-hammer model saw service during the American Civil War. Although never officially adopted by the U.S. military, it was purchased privately by soldiers, officers, and state militia units seeking a modern, reliable and solid sidearm.