Cased Allen & Thurber “Dragoon” Model Percussion Pepperbox Revolver Circa 1837

A Good Cased Allen & Thurber Norwich, Connecticut “Dragoon” Model Percussion Pepperbox Revolver Circa 1837.

6 inch six shot barrel cluster. .36 caliber. Fluted barrel cluster with standard markings, Vine scroll engraved frame, Figured highly polished walnut grip panels with German silver inlays.

These heavy caliber Allen pepperboxes competed with Samuel Colt’s Patent Arms Company and their costly Paterson revolvers and the great disparity in price was one of the factors in the failure of Colt’s initial firearm’s enterprise.

In overall good to fine condition, the action works smoothly and the bores are good. This Allen “Dragoon” is cased in an original mahogany partition case with faded wine red original lining and a large and interesting contemporary leather covered brass mounted powder flask. Case is in good condition.

Cased Allen “Dragoons” are scarce and comparing this one to a Number 3 Belt Model Paterson one can see why Allen succeeded while Sam Colt failed. Of course Samuel Colt became one of if not the most famous and successful industrialists in pre Civil America.