Allen & Wheelock Belt Model Side-Hammer Revolver
Allen & Wheelock · Pistol · Discontinued · 1858
Also known as: Allen & Wheelock Side Hammer Belt Revolver, Allen & Wheelock Belt Revolver, Allen & Wheelock .32 Side-Hammer Belt
Overview
The Allen & Wheelock Belt Model Side-Hammer Revolver is a five-shot, single-action .32 caliber percussion (cap-and-ball) revolver built in Worcester, Massachusetts by Ethan Allen and Thomas Wheelock. A scaled-down, medium-frame version of the firm's larger .36 Navy side-hammer, it carries the characteristic hammer mounted on the right side of the frame and a pivoting trigger guard that doubles as the ball-loading lever. Chambered mostly in .32 (with some in .31 and .34) and fitted with an octagonal barrel, it filled the mid-size 'belt' role for civilian carry between the compact Pocket model and the full-size Navy.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 650 g (22.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 260 mm (10.24") |
| Barrel Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 200 m/s (656 fps) |
| Effective Range | 30 m (33 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 Caliber Percussion (Cap and Ball) · primary — also known as .32 cal, .32 percussion, .32 ball, 8.1mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Percussion Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Safety Notches
- Features: Octagonal Barrel, Side Hammer, Single Action, Five Shot Cylinder, Trigger Guard Loading Lever, Scroll Engraved Cylinder
Service history
Operators
- American Civilians
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,000 · Production years: 1858-1861
Approximately 1,000 belt-size side-hammer percussion revolvers commonly cited; actual production likely higher. Made before patent litigation pushed the firm toward later center-hammer and lipfire cartridge designs.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Ethan Allen
Discontinued: 1861
Notes
Octagonal barrels were offered in 4, 5, 6, and 7.5 inch lengths; the majority were made in .32 caliber, with .31 and .34 examples also produced. Cylinders carry scroll engraving with animal scenes that vary by caliber. Roughly 1,000 belt-size examples are commonly cited, though surviving records suggest the true figure was likely higher.
Background
The offset side hammer was Allen & Wheelock's signature answer to a real problem: with the hammer thrown out to the right of the frame, the shooter's sight line down the barrel stayed clear, while the cleverly hinged trigger guard swung down to ram each ball home without the separate Colt-style loading lever.