Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Herb Houze
Frame Pocket Rev.
Bar Hammer Double Action Pocket Model Percussion Revolver, Large Frame Type, made by Allen & Wheelock, a.k.a. “Transitional Pepperbox-Revolver.” C. 1857 into early 1860s; quantity estimated as high as 1500; however, actual production more likely near 500. Specimens seldom seen; very scarce.
34 caliber (various listed as 32 caliber). Five-shot round cylinder, bearing roll engraved forest scene decoration, including deer and dogs. 3" to 5" octagonal barrels, without sights.
Walnut grips of bag shape. Blued finish; casehardened cylinder, hammer and trigger.
Serial (batch) numbered. Markings noted below under values.
The first revolver made by Allen, the design shows obvious influences of his pepperbox production, particularly in the bar hammer, double action, and overall appearance of frame and grips. Numerous variations of lesser importance may be found on this model including several different styles of hammer rests on rear of cylinders.
Early model, having cylinder pin of threaded type, with slot for screwdriver; screws into the frame (beneath the barrel); about 400 estimated made, however, survival rate apparently low and this considered hardest to find by collectors. Marked ALLEN & WHEELOCK (frame) and PATENTED APRIL 16, 1845 (hammer):
5A-052
| 5A-052 | Values—Good $450 | Fine $1,200 |
Transition type; as above, but with sliding type cylinder pin secured by screw through bottom of the frame; frame length forward of the cylinder, 11/16"; estimates of quantity made range from 50 on up:
| 5A-053 | Values—Good $325 | Fine $1,100 |
Medium frame type; (a.k.a. “Late Production” type in earlier editions of this “guide”). Has identical profile and caliber of that illustrated; also five shots. Slightly smaller cylinder (1-1/2" long vs. the larger 1-5/8") and a smaller, lighter frame. Barrel marking usually: ALLEN & WHEELOCK WORCESTER, MASS./ALLEN’S PATENT APRIL 16, 1845. Hammer marking as on previous models, although placement may vary:
| 5A-054 | Values—Good $300 | Fine $1,000 |
Allen & Wheelock Small Frame Pocket Rev.
Bar Hammer Double Action Pocket Model Percussion Revolver, Small Frame Type, a.k.a.“Transition Pepperbox-Revolver.” Made by Allen & Wheelock c. 1858 into early 1860s; total quantity about 1,000.
About identical profile to above “Large Frame” and “Medium Frame” but noticeably smaller; hammer is evenly rounded vs. the double “bends” in profile of the Large Frame type.”
30 caliber (variously listed as 31 cal.). 5-shot round cylinder 1-1/4" long bearing roll engraved forest scene, including deer and ducks. 2" to 3-1/2" octagonal barrels, without sights.
Walnut grips of bag shape. Blued finish.
Serial (batch) numbered. Barrel marking: ALLEN & WHEELOCK, MASS./ALLEN’S PATENT APRIL 16, 1845. Specimens encountered with patent date marking on hammer.
All the small frame size pistols were fitted with the late cylinder pin, of sliding type, secured by a screw through bottom of the frame. Variations of hammer shape and forward section of trigger bow (at point where it joins frame) also noted:
5A-055
| 5A-055 | Values—Good $400 | Fine $1,250 |
Allen & Wheelock Sidehammer Pocket and Belt Revolvers
Sidehammer Pocket and Belt Model Revolvers by Allen & Wheelock. Made c. 1858-1861; total quantity as noted below under values.
28 caliber Pocket Model, small frame, octagon barrel lengths 2" to 5". 32 caliber (seen variously listed as 31 and 34 cal.). Belt Model with larger or medium size frame, octagon barrels from 3" to 6" with longer 7-1/2" barrels known and considered rare, worth premium. Cylinders all five-shot and roll engraved with forest scene and varying total of deer. Cylinder pins enter frame from rear, screw into position.
Walnut grips. Blued finish; casehardened cylinder, hammer and trigger guard.
Serial (batch) numbered. Barrel markings as indicated below.
As noted under the Navy Model revolvers, a number of variants will be encountered in the Allen & Wheelock Sidehammers. Due to the limited numbers produced, complete classifications have yet to be made and published. Quite a few minor variations noted.
Early production type; lateral friction style catch on left side of sideplate/trigger guard, to secure trigger guard/loading lever into position for firing (see illustration of side hammer early production Navy for this feature). Barrel marking: ALLEN & WHEELOCK and ALLEN’S PATENT JAN. 13, 1857. Various estimates have been made for production of these two calibers, but no documentary evidence has been found to support production figures. For collecting purposes both may be said to be rare and very probably less than 100 of each were produced:
| 5A-056 | Values—Good $550 | Fine $1,500 |
Standard model; catch for trigger guard of spring loaded type and mounted on rear of guard. Variations appear in shape of cylinder pins, and two or three screw sideplates. Barrel marking: ALLEN & WHEELOCK WORCESTER, MASS./ALLEN’S PATENTS JAN. 13, 1857, SEPT. 7, 1858. 28 and 31 caliber specimens (estimated approximately 750 to 1000 of each made):
5A-057
| 5A-057 | Values—Good $375 | Fine $1,150 |
Allen & Wheelock Sidehammer Navy Revolver
Sidehammer Navy Model Percussion Revolver by Allen & Wheelock. Made c. 1858-1861; total quantity as noted below under values.
36 caliber. Large frame size. 6-shot round cylinder with roll engraved forest scene including rabbit, deer and doe motif. Octagonal barrel, 5-1/2" to 8" with the latter the most often encountered. However, that longer 8" bbl. will usually bring a premium of 10 to 15 percent.
Walnut grips. Blued finish; the cylinder, hammer and trigger guard casehardened.
Serial (batch) numbered. Barrel markings as noted below.
Some confusion exists in studying the Allen & Wheelock Sidehammer revolvers, due to the number of variants encountered and the relatively small quantities produced.