Manufactured during 1841 and 1842, the "Grafton Dainty", named for its small size and the firm's then hometown of Grafton, was Allen & Thurber's first double action pepperbox pistol. At the time, the Dainty was a massive leap in portable firepower; John Bolen (one of Allen's earliest sales agents known to create presentation sets for railroads) advertised them as useful for both men and women for repelling multiple attackers. Immediately recognizable as an Allen & Thurber, the pistol is marked "E.A.P.M. 1841" on one of the barrel ribs, "ALLEN'S PATENT" on top of the hammer, and "BOLEN NY" on the left side. The number "22" is present on the barrel group, trigger guard, front strap and mainspring. Light engraving is present on the sides and rear of the frame. It comes with an orange velvet lined hardwood case containing a brass powder flask decorated with alternating star and bulls-eye designs, a nitre blue "L" shaped takedown tool, and a two-chamber bullet mold. Its believed that the lack of Pittman and ratchet setup and the "E.A.P.M." marking indicate it was a very early experimental action. Less than 50 to 100 are thought to have been manufactured.

Fair as heavily cleaned with a mixed gray patina overall, darker on the hammer and barrels, and mild pitting around the nipples. A small crack is forming on the inside of the butt, and the period replacement grips are very good with an attractive antique color, mild grain and a few light age cracks. The relined case is fair with mild cracks and scuffs. Mechanically good.