Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
pepperbox 34 caliber. Found only with ALLEN & WHEELOCK markings. Fluted barrels. A distinctly different style than all other Allens in the method of attaching barrels to frame; an integral extension at rear of barrels affixes to frame rather than the standard use of a center support bored through the barrel units to the muzzle. Variance noted in locking devices. Simple engraved design standard on frames; all are made without recoil shield. Single indentation at rear of barrels between nipples for hammer safety rest:
5A-042
| 5A-042 | Values—Good $450 | Fine $1,400 |
STANDARD OR MEDIUM SIZE. This is the most often encountered size and very likely the group with the widest variations of types and markings. Caliber usually 31 or 32. Five-or six-shot; ribbed and fluted barrels usually varying 3" to 5". Conventional triggers only (ring triggers have not been observed in Worcester production). Markings are of all three Worcester styles. Simple broad scroll/floral engraved frames are standard. The most often seen styles and some of the very scarce variations are:
Early transitional type with handle of “dog leg” style as carry over from Norwich production; oval inlay in grips; flat narrow barrel ribs. ALLEN & THURBER, WORCESTER markings only and the rolled type engraving of Norwich style on nipple shield. Very scarce:
5A-043
| 5A-043 | Values—Good $375 | Fine $1,250 |
Similar to above with Norwich style handle, but hand engraved nipple shield and wide flat barrel ribs:
5A-044
| 5A-044 | Values—Good $375 | Fine $1,150 |
Bag shaped, evenly curved standard Worcester style handle with rounded frame; wide flat barrel ribs; engraved nipple shield. One of the most often seen styles:
5A-045
| 5A-045 | Values—Good $375 | Fine $1,100 |
Identical to above with fluted barrels:
| 5A-045.5 | Values—Good $375 | Fine $1,100 |
Single action, shotgun type hammer with wide flat barrel ribs; engraved nipple shield; bag shaped handle. Normally seen with sideplate fastening on right side. A rare variation is known (and will bring considerable premium) with sideplate on left side; another very rare variation recorded is fitted with fluted barrels. Specimens proven original worth considerable premium:
5A-046
| 5A-046 | Values—Good $700 | Fine $2,250 |
Hammerless type with conventional trigger and nipple shield. In this case nipple shield is merely a narrow short projection at the top of the frame rather than completely encircling frame:
| 5A-047 | Values—Good $950 | Fine $3,000 |
Bag shaped handle. Frame size noticeably larger and is midway between the “Standard” and “Dragoon” (recent collector terminology names it the “Baby Dragoon”). Worcester production. 6 shot. Engraved nipple shield; flat barrel ribs:
5A-048
| 5A-048 | Values—Good $450 | Fine $1,200 |
DRAGOON SIZE. Easily identified by its massive proportions. 36 caliber. Six-shot. Approximately 6" barrels (varying slightly). Conventional bar type hammer and trigger; broad scroll/floral engraving standard on frames. A few rare variations are known to appear in this style such as the bar hammer with short cocking spur which allows for single action operation; such pieces demand substantial premiums. These large “Dragoons” are termed by collectors “49’ers” as so many of them are known to have been carried by those heading west in the earlier years of the Gold Rush.
Early transitional style with “dog leg” handle having features of Norwich production; oval grip inlay; wide flat barrel ribs; hand engraved nipple shield; trigger guard without spur as seen on later types. Usually marked only ALLEN & THURBER, WORCESTER:
5A-049
| 5A-049 | Values—Good $875 | Fine $2,750 |
Standard Worcester production with bag shaped, evenly arched handle; spur projecting from rear of trigger guard; engraved nipple shield; wide barrel ribs; marked ALLEN & THURBER or ALLEN & WHEELOCK. ALLEN, THURBER & CO. markings are known, but rare and will bring premium value):
5A-050
| 5A-050 | Values—Good $950 | Fine $3,000 |
As above, but with fluted barrels; spur projecting from rear of trigger guard; markings usually ALLEN & THURBER. ALLEN & WHEELOCKmarkings are known, but considered rare and will bring a premium value while ALLEN, THURBER & CO.are believed to exist, but none has yet been recorded and would certainly bring premium also:
5A-051
| 5A-051 | Values—Good $950 | Fine $3,000 |