Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice single shot percussion overcoat pistol, made circa 1860 for the U.S. Market by Ethan Allen of Massachusetts (1808-1871). Allen had developed his Gun business by taking his brother-in-law Charles Thurber as his partner, and they moved the plant to Worcester, Mass.

Ethan Allen, no relation to the Revolutionary Ethan Allen, applied for various patents, most notably early on for a "TUBE HAMMER" ignition system in 1837, which was renewed in 1845. After Charles Thurber passed away in 1856, Ethan Allen later took into his business another brother-in-law, Thomas Wheelock, who worked with the company until 1865. As before, the company was known for its rotating cylinder/barrel revolvers.

However, they still produced many other firearms, such as this smart single shot rifled overcoat pistol. Our offered example measures approximately 8 inches long, and was intended to fit in the large pockets of a man's overcoat. While not large bore by any means, the .37" caliber would still pack a punch, and the rifled barrel would give it a bit more range. The top of the barrel nocks form is marked with the maker:

The company was known by various names over the years. From 1856 to 1865 it was known as Allen & Wheelock (Worcester), so this pistol is from that period, after the patent renewal was granted. Later, his two Sons-in-law, Sullivan Forehand and Henry Wadsworth, who continued the business after Ethan Allen's death in 1871. Most interesting that all these names have become an integral part of the U.S. arms industry.

The pistol has a single 4 inch steel rifled barrel in approximately .37" Caliber. The pistol is marked with serial number 220 on the frame under the grips and on the inside of both grip scales. The barrel was refinished at some point, so it only has a faint 20 remaining, but we do not doubt that the barrel is matching, just how we like to see them!

It has lovely bag-style walnut grip plates, which are quite attractive, still retaining some of the original varnish. The trigger is protected by a sizable trigger guard, which would help when concealed to prevent accidental firing. The condition is very good considering the age, and shows a gray speckled patina over the frame and action.

Mechanically, there is an issue with one of the internal springs, either the trigger spring or sear spring, and the trigger has to be manually moved forward for it to hold at the fully cocked position. There also is no longer any half cock position, so the tumbler is probably worn. The bore still shows clear 6 groove rifling.

A very nice overcoat percussion pistol, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber:  approx .37"
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Action: Top Percussion Single action
Feed System: Single Shot

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