Product Description
ENGRAVED Rare GOLD RUSH Era Antique SPRAGUE & MARSTON Pepperbox Revolver
Early 1850s Double Action Percussion “BELLY GUN”
Here we present an antique Sprague & Marston Pepperbox Revolver, made in New York circa the early 1850s. This pepperbox would have been a contemporary to the much more ubiquitous Ethan Allen pepperboxes as well as Samuel Colt’s 1849 Pocket Revolver, all revolvers made for the armed civilian to self-defense. Marston’s pepperbox is very similar to Ethan Allen’s with a nearly identical form factor to include the ribbed barrel cluster, bar hammer, and bag-shaped handle. The iron frame is modestly engraved on either side and down the back strap. This example’s handle is a bit more obtuse than others of its kind, setting it apart.
This six shot pepperbox has percussion nipples that are integrated to the barrels. Made with a bar hammer and standard trigger, models have been encountered with or without an integral nipple shield. While simplifying shooting (no manual cocking of the hammer), the bar hammer did preclude the inclusion of usable sights. However, this early example of a double-action pistol must have been quite a selling point. As these were considered “point and shoot” short range defensive weapons or “belly guns”, the market did not seem to object to the limitation of not having sights. The history that these pistols enjoyed over the years is astounding: the Seminole Wars, Gold Rush, Mexican War and American Civil War. These guns are true relics of American history.
The hammer is marked “NEW YORK” on one side and the other side is marked “PATENT 1849”. The top of the hammer is marked “W. W. MARSTON”. The barrel is marked “SPRAGUE & MARSTON NEW YORK/CAST STEEL WARRANTED”.
The overall condition is good. The trigger when pulled, cocks and drops the hammer, but the cylinder does not index. Good bores. Markings are legible. The frame is engraved with traditional floral designs. Solid grips.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 3-1/4 inches.
Caliber: .31 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$900
#240428