3071 RARE ALLEN & WHEELOCK SINGLE ACTION SIDEHAMMER

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 400.00 USD
Estimated at 800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
PERCUSSION BELT REVOLVER. Cal. 31. S# 567 (on the loading lever). Bbl. 3". One of only approximately 750–1,000 "Sidehammer Belt" or "Sidehammer Pocket" single-action percussion revolvers mfg. by Allen & Wheelock between 1857 and 1861. The left flat of the octagonal bbl. is marked "ALLEN & WHEELOCK. WORCESTER. MASS./ ALLEN'S PT'S. JAN.13.DEC.15.1857. SEPT". Cyl. is engraved with a game scene. S# is marked on the interior face of the loading lever. Metal components exhibit a blue finish. Frame is mounted with two smooth wood grips. Brass blade front sight with frame notched rear sight. Cyl. is missing two of its threaded percussion cap nipples. CONDITION: metal components retain fair amounts of their original factory blue finish, exhibiting wear and thinning overall that shows through to gray and brown patinas. Fair bore, exhibiting mild to moderate pitting and strong rifling throughout. Action functions and indexes appropriately when cycled by hand. Grips exhibit scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, as well as some flaking to their varnish, but otherwise remain sturdy and serviceable. (01-24367/MLW). ANTIQUE. $800-1,200.