Argonaut Museum

This six-shot Allen pepperbox was very popular during the 1850's. It is double-action, that is a pull on the trigger cocks and then releases the hammer. Rotation of the barrel is done by hand.
The hammer is marked "Allen's Patent". The protruding screw in the convexity of the grip is part of the original design.

Click any of these thumbnails for a closer look:

		The cutout of the frame allows the percussion cap to be applied.
Gentle rotation of the barrel lifts the hammer and then lowers it. A sharp blow to the hammer can cause unintended firing.	The view from the business end.