Allen & Wheelock Pocket Model Side-Hammer Revolver
Allen & Wheelock · Pistol · Discontinued · 1858
Also known as: Allen & Wheelock Sidehammer Pocket Revolver, Allen & Wheelock Pocket Sidehammer
Overview
The Allen & Wheelock Pocket Model Side-Hammer Revolver is a single-action .28-caliber percussion cap-and-ball revolver produced in Worcester, Massachusetts between roughly 1858 and 1861. It is distinguished by its side-mounted hammer (offset to the right of the frame rather than in the traditional top-center position), a five-shot round cylinder typically roll-engraved with a forest scene, and a short octagonal barrel. A compact concealable arm of the Ethan Allen patent series, it was also offered in a slightly larger .31-caliber chambering.
Specifications
| Overall Length | 267 mm (10.51") |
| Barrel Length | 121 mm (4.76") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 180 m/s (591 fps) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .28 Caliber Percussion (Cap and Ball) · primary — also known as .28 cal, .28 percussion, .28 ball, 7.1mm
- .31 Caliber Percussion (Cap and Ball) — also known as .31 cal, .31 percussion, .31 ball, 7.9mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Percussion Cap And Ball
- Features: Side Mounted Hammer, Single Action, Octagonal Barrel, Roll Engraved Cylinder, Loading Lever, Walnut Grips
Service history
Operators
- American civilian market · adopted 1858
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,000 · Production years: 1858-1861
Approximately 1,000 of each of the .28 and .31 caliber pocket sidehammer variants
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Ethan Allen
Discontinued: 1861
Notes
Barrels marked "ALLEN & WHEELOCK WORCESTER, MASS. / ALLEN'S PATENT JAN. 13, 1857, SEPT. 7, 1858." Roughly 1,000 of each caliber are estimated to have been produced. Barrel lengths varied on the pocket frame; overall length figures reflect a longer-barrel example.
Background
Allen & Wheelock's side-hammer layout placed the hammer on the right of the frame so the top strap and sighting groove stayed clear, a distinctive design signature of Ethan Allen's percussion revolvers before the firm pivoted to metallic-cartridge arms in the 1860s.