Allen & Thurber Pepperbox

[matt73071]

Hello folks,
I joined the group in hopes of finding someone with some knowledge on a Pepperbox I have. I’m really looking to see what value it might hold. If you can point me in the direction of someone that can help I would greatly appreciate it. I’m located in North Central IN.

Thanks
Matt

 

[Magyars]

Interesting specimen....
Best place I know to ask is

The Muzzleloading Forum

Muzzleloading Forum discussion community & muzzleloading/reenactors for sale classifieds. Muzzle loading forums for reenactors, mountain men, French & Indian War, Civil War reenactors.

www.muzzleloadingforum.com

 

[Leadeye]

A big factor is the condition of the nipples as these are not replaceable being cast into the body of the gun. I notice the mainspring screw is gone, does the gun cycle?

 

[Slow Hand]

Unfortunately, yours doesn’t look to be in the best condition. It shows wear appropriate for its age but the rust is going to lower value. Here is one that is ending soon and has been bid up to $485 as of time of posting. There are a few others on GunBroker but they for the most part, are priced much much higher and dont have any bids

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1028994810

 

[Mongo59]

They made 50 variations of this type gun. The address of the company effects value. This one has the standard trigger and a bar hammer and (I suspect) double action.

If it is a pocket model it came in .25, .26, .31 and .32 in 4, 5 and 6 shots in 2.5 to 5in barrels. If it is a standard it came in .31 and .32, 5 or 6 shot with 3 to 5 in barrels.

All of these things as well as function, as Leadeye has said, effects price.

If it has a Grafton, Mass address that is a "ding ding ding!" Most have a Worchester, Mass address as that is where they were located during the Civil War when most were purchased.

 

[matt73071]

A big factor is the condition of the nipples as these are not replaceable being cast into the body of the gun. I notice the mainspring screw is gone, does the gun cycle?

Yes it will cycle. I haven’t really inspected the nipples but am aware they are cast with the barrels.

 

[Leadeye]

Yes it will cycle. I haven’t really inspected the nipples but am aware they are cast with the barrels.

In good working order with the outside finish I see in the pictures, figure about $500 give or take. I have a few pepperboxes, fun guns for the history, but not very accurate. Mine take about 15 or so grains of 3F BP and a 32 caliber ball with a little wadding to keep the ball against the powder. I've never tried a wad between the powder and the ball like I do with cap and ball revolvers, but I don't think it will improve the accuracy.

Mark Twain once said that the safest place to be was behind the shooter.

 

[matt73071]

The nipples appear to be in good condition. Not smashed/mashed/flattened due to dry firing. I’m a skilled trade machinist and from what I see they are in great condition. I believe I would accept $500 for it as is.