1857 Allen & Wheelock five-shot .34 revolver

[majspud]

I let go my only remaining reproduction firearm, a M1851 Colt Civilian in .44cal to help purchase this original pistol.

The top-hammer design was carried over from earlier Allen single shot pistols and later pepper-box type revolvers to get around Colt's original patent. The .34cal large-frame top-hammer revolver was only in production from 1857-1860, with only 1500 units produced, before giving way to center- and side-hammer designs. Larger .36 and .44 cal revolvers modeled after this type were produced during the Civil War.

Company history (Wikipedia):

1831–1837: E. Allen (Grafton)
1837–1842: Allen & Thurber (Grafton)
1842–1847: Allen & Thurber (Norwich)
1847–1854: Allen & Thurber (Worcester)
1854–1856: Allen Thurber & Co (Worcester)
1856–1865: Allen & Wheelock (Worcester)
1865–1871: E. Allen & Company (Worcester)

Initially Allen's firm manufactured single shot pistols and rifles, but eventually moved on to early revolvers. The Allen & Thurber Pepper-box, known as the "Gun that won the East", was the most common repeating handgun of its day. In 1843 he and Thurber relocated to Norwich, Connecticut and in addition to arms making, built prototypes of Thurber's typewriter designed for the blind, disabled and those “nervous” about writing by hand. Though patented, the typewriter was never manufactured for commercial sale.

In 1847, the company moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, and in 1854 Wheelock became an equal partner with the firm's name changing to Allen Thurber & Co. In 1856, following Thurber's death, they reorganized as Allen & Wheelock and developed a single-action revolver bearing their names.

After the death of Wheelock in 1865, his 2 sons-in-law, Sullivan Forehand and H. C. Wadsworth, began working for him and the company changed names to Allen & Company. Upon Allen's death in 1871 the two operated the company under their own names: Forehand & Wadsworth, until Forehand reorganized the company in 1890 as the Forehand Arms Company after Wadsworth's retirement.

With the serial number of *233, the pistol is a very early one, probably produced in first year run of 1857. *233 is visible on the trigger guard, barrel, cylinder, and frame. Finish is about 25% blue and patina. Cylinder works fine and the bore is great for its age. Markings are clear save the "Allen and Wheelock Worcester, MA" which appears as a faint solid line. I had to open one cylinder by drilling through from the face and using a nail to punch out the rust blockage. A little difficult as the nipples are not removable and sit at right angles to the chamber. Scale is shown with an 1858 half dollar.

A neat and rare little revolver. Thanks for the look.

T

Information

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[majspud]

Took the A&W to the range today as I make it a point to shoot all the guns in my collection, ammo permitting (still waiting for the 8x58R for the Danish Krag - the lone holdout).

I think this revolver is really meant to be a close range pocket pistol, as it does not have a loading lever, nor sights. The cylinder retaining pin doubles as a ramrod. I had to hand pour the powder into the cylinders as they needed less than the minimum 20gr. on my powder measure; I think I used 12-15gr.; enough for a little snap of recoil. Also, as this A&W has the odd caliber of .34, I was forced to use .310 balls. To get around the windage caused by the smaller size, I cut little wads from a cleaning patch.

I shot 19 rounds; the 20th was a FTF due to a clogged nipple which I had to clear with a nail when I got home. 10 rounds on paper. No hits first set of 5 (30 feet); it turns out the pistol shoots one foot high at 5 feet, and two feet high at 10 feet. Most of the hits came at 10 feet; clearly a close defense weapon. A couple of jams when caps became lodged between top of the frame and under the hammer.

A fun little pistol.

T
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[Patrick Chadwick]

I'm delighted to see that you didn't just stick it in a cabinet, but actually shot it!

[majspud]

It will have a second life as a carry pistol in my Civil War Re-Enacting. I'm not as young as I used to be (can't camp out anymore), but I can play provost and take my place in the line on occasion if I feel well enough (hip and back issues).

T

I'm second from the left.

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[jmoore]

Also, as this A&W has the odd caliber of .34, I was forced to use .310 balls.

Would not either 00 or 000 buckshot be best suited? You'd have to drive in the 000 buck as it's about 0.010" over nominal size, but that seems about right.

Regardless, happy to see it getting a little action.

I've an Allen and Wheelock .22 seven shooter. 4th version I think. It's seen a bit of paper punching with BB and CB caps. Might be less accurate than yours!