Allen & Thurber Pepperbox .31 "Ribbed Worcester" Ring-Trigger, 3-Inch, 6-Shot Bar-Hammer Percussion Pistol
This mid-19th century Allen & Thurber Worcester pepperbox represents the "Ribbed Worcester" ring-trigger pattern with a six-barrel ribbed cluster and Allen’s patented self-cocking mechanism. Notable features include a bar hammer stamped "ALLEN'S PATENT," a 3-inch barrel cluster, light scroll engraving, and a walnut bird’s-head grip with an oval German-silver escutcheon. The top bar serves as the sighting plane, and a right-side capping recess/flash shield is present. An antique American percussion pepperbox that reflects the Worcester production era.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Specific Condition Notes: One nipple is missing from the cylinder. The original finish has turned to a gray-brown patina.
What’s Included
- Allen & Thurber "Ribbed Worcester" ring-trigger .31 caliber percussion pepperbox pistol (3-inch, 6-shot)
The Worcester "Ribbed Worcester" configuration features a six-barrel ribbed cluster in .31 caliber with a 3-inch length and a 6-shot capacity. The double-action ring-trigger system drives Allen’s self-cocking pepperbox mechanism for sequential firing.
The bar hammer is stamped "ALLEN'S PATENT," and the top bar functions as the sighting plane; there is no separate rear sight. A right-side capping recess/flash shield is incorporated for percussion use, and a through-bolt is fitted in the butt.
Light scroll engraving accents the frame/sideplate, adding period detail to the American-made steel/iron construction. The walnut bird’s-head grip includes an oval German-silver escutcheon.
Produced during Allen & Thurber’s Worcester era in the mid-19th century, this antique exemplifies the company’s ring-trigger pepperbox design and its distinctive ribbed barrel cluster.