ALLEN AND WHEELOCK .32 CALIBER SIDEHAMMER RIMFIRE REVOLVER

$450.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2024-1603

Manufactured from about 1859 to 1862, pistols these were handy personal arms for civilians and officers, with likely some enlisted soldiers sneaking them into camp at the beginning of the Civil War. This one comes with its nice, original holster with military style flap, set up for wear on the right side with the butt to the rear. Manufacturing numbers are uncertain. Flayderman merely says “estimated over 1,000” in at least eight types. For the collector they are an interesting design, combining the simple, old-fashioned sidehammer, and awkward looking “quick-drop” grip in the early production, with a sleek spur trigger and using very modern .32 caliber self-contained rimfire cartridges in a six-shot cylinder.

This is in very good condition with smooth metal and tight-fitting, dark brown walnut grips with a smooth surface showing just a few handling dings. The front sight is in place. The metal was originally blued. The octagonal barrel retains some thin, faded blue with natural rubbing on the raised edges. The left side of the barrel is crisply stamped “ALLEN & WHEELOCK WORCESTER MASS. U.S. / ALLEN’S PAT’S  SEPT. 7. NOV. 9. 1858.” To the right of this, on the frame is the additional “JULY 3, 1860” patent date with the year rather lightly done. The cylinder retains stronger remnants of blue, but no visible cylinder scene and Flayderman notes both that it only on earlier production guns and even then was lightly rolled. The frame is a caramel brown back to the downward curve where it transitions into gray from handling along the butt strap. The trigger retains good blue. Mechanically perfect.

Pistols of .32 caliber were not usually regarded as military arms, though some Smith and Wessons were issued, but for close-quarters personal defense could do the trick and at least offer some satisfaction in firing at the enemy on a battlefield when not supervising the men, and, of course, much lighter to carry on a long march.  [sr][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About ALLEN AND WHEELOCK .32 CALIBER SIDEHAMMER RIMFIRE REVOLVER

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

REMARKABLE SWORD IDENTIFIED TO GEORGE WILLIAM GORDON (1801-1877), US CONSUL TO BRAZIL (1840-46) AND SLAVE TRADE OPPONENT

A remarkable sword manufactured by W.H. Horstmann & Co., New York after the Model 1834 US Revenue Cutter/Marine sword. Neatly engraved on the reverse folding guard, “Geo. Wm. Gordon / United States Consul”. Born on February 8, 1801 in Exeter,… (870-60). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

15
Apr

May 16 - 18: N-SSA Spring Nationals, Fort Shenandoah, Winchester, VA Learn More »

Instagram