This is an example of a Civil War production Allen & Wheelock Army revolver that was manufactured in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1861-1862. Some estimates suggest Allen & Wheelock only manufactured approximately 700 of these center hammer revolvers and the Ordnance Department purchased 536 Allen revolvers in 1861; all are presumed to be .44 Army revolvers. Revolvers sold on the civilian market during the Civil War were still used during the war as privately purchased sidearms. The left side of the part octagon barrel is stamped with "ALLEN & WHEELOCK. WORCESTER. MASS. U.S./ALLEN'S PT'S. JAN.13.DEC.15.1857.SEPT.7.18." The serial number "502" is stamped on the inside of the trigger guard, rear face of the cylinder, cylinder rod, side of the hammer, underside of the sideplate, left side of the grip frame, and underside of both grip panels.

Exceptionally fine, retains 75% plus original bright high polish blue finish with scattered areas flaking to a smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, scratches, and defined markings and edges in the metal. 75% vivid original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. Grips are excellent with most of the original varnish, some minor chipping along the otherwise defined bottom edges, and some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This attractive, high condition, Allen & Wheelock Army Model Center Hammer revolver would make a fine addition to any early American firearms collection!