Ethan Allen by Hoppe's
Reproductions designed and commercialized by Hoppe’s
Content:
Detailed pictures of collection models
Overview
In the 1980’s, the company Hoppe’s produced high-quality reproductions of three classic Ethan Allen pistols:
- The pepperbox pistol, modeled after the single-action shotgun hammer pepperbox
- The side-by-side pistol, based on the double-barrel, single-trigger pistol
- The single shot target pistol, reproducing the side-hammer target pistol
The Dixie Gun Works Antique Arms Catalog lists these pistols for sale. Advertisements for the fully finished models appear on pages 40–41, while the kit versions are featured on pages 56–57.
Below, you’ll find Dixie’s original ads along with photographs of each model.
Ethan Allen by Hoppe's Side-By-Side Pistol
PH1230 ETHAN ALLEN SIDE-BY-SIDE PISTOL
Here is a very close copy of the handy little two shot percussion pocket pistols that were produced by noted gunmaker Ethan Allen at his Worcester, Massachusetts, plant during the early 1850’s. The twin 4 inch barrels are .36 caliber, smooth bored. We recommend using a patched .350 round ball. Barrels, trigger, trigger-guard and boxlock frame are all finished with a deep, brilliant blue finish. Frame features light scroll type engraving that was commonly found on Ethan Allen originals. Actual weight is 1 lb. Overall length is 8″. This is a fine little pistol. Shipping weight 2 pounds.
Ethan Allen by Hoppe's Pepperbox Pistol
PH1240 ETHAN ALLEN PEPPERBOX PISTOL
Ethan Allen’s pepperbox pistols of the late 1830’s and early 1840’s were so popular that many arms historians feel that the competition they offered the Colt Paterson revolvers was more than the single barreled revolvers could stand. At any rate , pepperboxes proved considerably more dependable and less troublesome than the Paterson revolvers, which were discontinued by 1841. Ethan Allen continued to produce his pepperbox designs on until around 1865. Now, here is a fully operational, self-indexing and shootable percussion reproduction available to those that have always wanted to shoot one of these unusual little multi-shot pistols. The new made copy features 6 four-inch .36 caliber smoothbore barrels. Recommend ball size is .350. Frame and nipple shield sport typical Ethan Allen type scroll engraving. Barrels automatically indexed as the hammer is cocked. All metal parts are finished in a bright blue. American walnut grips. Actual weight is 2 lb. Overall length is 8″. Shipping weight 3 pounds.
Ethan Allen by Hoppe's Single Shot Target Pistol
PH1250 ETHAN ALLEN .45 CALIBER SINGLE SHOT TARGET PISTOL
This handsome percussion pistol is almost a dead ringer for the original made by Ethan Allen during the late 1840’s and early 1850’s. The six-inch riffled barrel and frame are dressed up with scroll engraving and finished in deep blue. Grips are of American walnut. Rear sight is adjustable for elevation. This pistol is exceptionally well balanced and should prove to be a very fine target pistol. Actual weight is 1¾ lb. Overall length is 11¼”. We recommend a .440 patched round ball. Shipping weight 4 lbs.
The Hoppe's Pepperbox Pistol
A well-executed reproduction of the single-action shotgun hammer pepperbox, this model captures much of the original’s character while exhibiting a few notable differences:
- Larger Barrel Cluster – Chambered in .36 caliber (as opposed to the original .32), resulting in both a more substantial profile and an impressive overall weight.
- Indexing Mechanism – Utilizes a spring-loaded steel ball rather than the original’s spring-loaded pin.
- Profile of Side Plates and Grip – Flatter in form compared to the deeply rounded contours of traditional Allen pepperboxes.
- Percussion Nipples – Equipped with standard removable nipples, whereas the original featured machined, integral nipples.
Together with the A&T original. Note the difference in dimention of the barrel cluster
The Hoppe's Side-By-Side Pistol
An excellent copy of the double barrel single trigger pistol made by Allen in the 1850’s. Besides the flatter shaped side plates and grips, the pistol has a great resemblance to the original.
The ingenious single-trigger mechanism allows both hammers to be cocked simultaneously. A light pull of the trigger discharges the first barrel, while a continued pull—applying a touch more pressure—releases the second.
Together with an original Bruce & Davis Double Barrel Single Trigger (identical to A&T).
The Hoppe's Single Shot Target Pistol
A great look-alike of the Side-Hammer Target pistol made by Allen in the 1840’s and 1850’s.
Together with the Allen & Thurber original.
