Allen's Bar Hammer Percussion Pistols

Commercial era:

Allen & Thurber

Allen, Thurber & Co

Allen & Wheelock

  • Production period: ---From end of the 1840's to the civil war era

  • Production quantity: ----Several thousands of each type

General information:

These bar hammer pistols, also known as No.9 Single Shot Self Cocking Pistols, feature a distinctive bar-shaped hammer, operating solely in double-action. Primarily designed for self-defense, they excel in close-range effectiveness. These pistols boast a lengthy history of production, available in diverse versions and frame sizes. Their calibers span from 28 to 36. The half-octagonal, half-round barrel of the screw-off type, vary in length from 2 to 10 inches. The standard pistol version has a blued finish and walnut grips.

The “Muff” pistol, a compact version tailored for vest-pocket use, was added to the product range around 1846.  These small pistols where only manufactured with 2-inch barrels and calibers ranging from 28 to 30.  These pistols were minimally marked, often just with patent details on the hammer and occasionally lacking markings altogether.

Hand-engraving embellishes the frames of all models except for models manufactured during the very last production period.

Standard model - Allen & Thurber - Worcester period

The shown model has the rounded “bag type” grip and is from the Allen & Thurber / Worcester period. Although the mechanism is already of the 1845 patent type, the barrel is still marked with the 1837 patent reference.

  • Caliber: .36"

  • Serial number: #158

  • Length: Barrel:7,6 cm (3"), Total:16,5cm

  • Weight: 290 gr

  • Hammer marking: ALLEN'S PATENT

  • Barrel marking: CASTSTEEL - PATENTED - 1837

  • Allen & Thurber Barhammer Pistol - 3 Inch barrel - 1837 Marking - Right side view

Standard model - Allen, Thurber & Co period

This one is of a slightly later production date since it has the 1845 patent date on the hammer and Allen Thurber & Co barrel marking. Otherwise identical except for the engraving and markings.

  • Caliber: .36"

  • Serial number: #33

  • Length: Barrel:7,6 cm (3"), Total:16,5cm

  • Weight: 290 gr

  • Hammer marking: ALLEN'S PATENT 1845

  • Barrel marking: ALLEN THURBER & Co

  • Allen & Thurber Barhammer Pistol - 3 Inch barrel - 1845 Marking - Right side view

Muff Pistol - Allen & Thurber

The shown model is from the Allen & Thurber period which can be seen by the marking on the hammer ALLEN’S PATENT.  This marking does not yet reference the 1845 patent. The trigger guard is oval with a straight angle.

  • Caliber: .30"

  • Serial number: #401

  • Length: Barrel:5,1 cm (2"), Total:12,4cm

  • Weight: 160 gr

  • Hammer marking: ALLEN'S PATENT

  • Allen & Thurber Barhammer Muff Pistol - Right side view

Muff Pistol - Allen & Wheelock

  • Caliber: .28"

  • Serial number: #460

  • Length: Barrel:5,1 cm (2"), Total:12,4cm

  • Weight: 160 gr

  • Hammer marking: PATENTED APRIL 16, 1845

This one is probably from the Allen & Wheelock period, but this cannot be said with certainty.  The pistol does not yet have a rounded hammer but does have PATENTED APRIL 16, 1845 hammer markings.

The trigger guard is completely oval.

  • Allen & Thurber Barhammer Muff Pistol - Right side view
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