Allen's Bar Hammer Percussion Pistols
Commercial era:
Allen & Thurber
Allen, Thurber & Co
Allen & Wheelock
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Production period: ---From end of the 1840's to the civil war era
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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.
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Caliber: .36"
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Serial number: #158
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Length: Barrel:7,6 cm (3"), Total:16,5cm
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Weight: 290 gr
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Hammer marking: ALLEN'S PATENT
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Barrel marking: CASTSTEEL - PATENTED - 1837
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.
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Caliber: .36"
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Serial number: #33
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Length: Barrel:7,6 cm (3"), Total:16,5cm
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Weight: 290 gr
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Hammer marking: ALLEN'S PATENT 1845
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Barrel marking: ALLEN THURBER & Co
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.
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Caliber: .30"
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Serial number: #401
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Length: Barrel:5,1 cm (2"), Total:12,4cm
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Weight: 160 gr
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Hammer marking: ALLEN'S PATENT
Muff Pistol - Allen & Wheelock
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Caliber: .28"
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Serial number: #460
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Length: Barrel:5,1 cm (2"), Total:12,4cm
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Weight: 160 gr
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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.