ALLEN & THURBER
Bar hammer pistol
The bar hammer pistols, also known as No.9 Single Shot Self Cocking Pistols, feature a distinctive bar-shaped hammer, operating solely in double-action. Primarily designed for self-defense, they excel in close-range effectiveness. These pistols boast a lengthy history of production (from the end of the 1840's to the civil war era). Their calibers span from 28 to 36. The half-octagonal, half-round barrel of the screw-off type, vary in length from 2 to 10 inches. The standard pistol version has a blued finish and walnut grips.
The “Muff” pistol, a compact version tailored for vest-pocket use, was added to the product range around 1846. These small pistols where only produced with 2-inch barrels and calibers ranging from 28 to 30. These pistols were minimally marked, often just with patent details on the hammer and occasionally lacking markings altogether.
Hand-engraving embellishes the frames of all models except for models manufactured during the very last production period.
The standard model shown has a 3" barrel and is of a later production date since it has the 1845 patent date on the hammer and Allen & Thurber barrel marking on the barrel. The early production had the 1837 patented (more complicated) mechanism.
Caliber: .36"
Length: Barrel:7,6 cm (3"), Total:16,5cm
Weight: 290 gr
Hammer marking: ALLEN'S PATENT 1845
Barrel marking: ALLEN & THURBER & Co
The Muff pistol shown has also the 1845 patent markings
Caliber: .28"
Length: Barrel:5,1 cm (2"), Total:12,4cm
Weight: 160 gr
Hammer marking: PATENTED APRIL 16, 1845
bpgcollector
And here is the "Muff"
ETHAN Allen
Bar Hammer Single Shot Pistol by Ethan Allen.
circa 1840s
Serial no. 960 ; .28 caliber, 2 1/16 inch part round, part octagonal barrel, without front sight; marked on left side of hammer, ALLEN'S PATENT; scroll engraved frame; varnished walnut grips.
Many thanks to "GREG MARTIN AUCTION" for the photos.
