Very rare Hyde & Goodrich Marked, Engraved Allen & Thurber Norwich Bar Hammer .31 Cal Pepperbox
Guns International #: 103243602 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Pepperbox - Antique Pistols - 1500-1850

Seller's Information
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Verified Seller
Seller: steve03038
Member Since: 9/13/13
State: Florida
Country: United States
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 25
Total Number of Listings: 144
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.

Payment Types Accepted: Personal check, bank check, postal money order, Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App



Description:
Allen & Thurber Norwich Bar Hammer Pepperbox
  • Gauge/Caliber: .31 caliber
  • Barrels: 6-barrel cluster, 3 ¼" length
  • Action: Double-action, bar hammer design
  • Serial Number: 99
  • Finish: Gunmetal gray patina with areas of brown patina, moderate wear, and pitting
  • Grips: Walnut with silver oval inlays, stamped with serial and unusual “THURSTON OREGON” and faint “WELLBORN” marks inside
  • Markings:
    • Bar hammer marked “GOODRICH” (unusual placement, instead of Allen & Thurber’s name/patent)
    • Factory engraved frame and barrels (floral/scrollwork typical of early production)
    • Retailer: Hyde & Goodrich, New Orleans (a prominent Southern retailer before the Civil War)
Condition:
  • Metal: Moderate wear, scattered pitting, patina mix of gunmetal gray and brown.
  • Wood: Original walnut grips with inlay, worn,  with legible retailer/grip stamps.
  • Mechanics: Hammer spring strong, timing remains good, mechanically functional.
Notes on Rarity:
  • Hyde & Goodrich-marked Allen & Thurber pepperboxes are scarce, as most were stamped with the standard Allen & Thurber or Allen & Wheelock markings.
  • The “GOODRICH” marking on the hammer is an unusual variation and increases collector interest.
  • Low serial number (99) suggests early Norwich production (ca. 1842–1847).
  • Factory engraving further adds to desirability
  • The “Thurston Oregon” and faint “Wellborn” grip stampings are likely later owner or gunsmith markings, not factory-applied, and add to the story/provenance. Thurston Oregon was settled in 1851,  this gun was purchased in New Orleans and at some point made it’s way to Oregon with an early settler.


Historical Background
The Allen & Thurber pepperbox was one of the most popular repeating handguns of the 1830s–1850s, predating the Colt revolvers in widespread civilian use. Manufactured in Norwich, Connecticut during the 1840s, these bar hammer designs featured multiple rotating barrels and a double-action mechanism, allowing rapid fire compared to single-shot pistols.
The firm Allen & Thurber later became Allen & Wheelock, and eventually Allen’s designs influenced later revolver production.
The Hyde & Goodrich firm of New Orleans was a major Southern retailer of fine arms, jewelry, and cutlery from the 1830s through the Civil War. Their imported and retailed weapons are especially collectible due to their strong ties to the antebellum South and Confederate use.
This example with rare hammer marking, engraving, and Hyde & Goodrich association, represents both a functional firearm of the pre-Civil War era and a scarce retail-marked variation, desirable to advanced collectors.
$775 asking price,  all reasonable offers considered

This is an antique and no FFL required.  Will ship USPS priority mail. FREE SHIPPING INCLUDED   This gun is sold "as-is" as a collectible with no refund and no return.   Payment can be made with bank check, postal money order, or personal check. If you prefer instant payment and shipping please email or text me for account info.








 

Price: $775.00

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .31
Manufacturer: Allen & Thurber
Model: Pepperbox
Serial Number: 99
Barrel Length: 3.5