Silas Allen Jr. (1785-1868) is one of the better known riflemakers in New England in the early 19th century. He apprenticed under John Mason (also represented in this auction). Silas started his own business in 1806 and had Martin Smith (represented in the previous lot) as his apprentice c. 1811-1812. In that period, Allen was also the captain of the South Company militia unit in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, c. 1810-1815. He and the other Worcester County gunmakers made firearms for the militia. Allen remained active until 1845 when he retired and farmed for his remaining years. The tapered octagon barrel features eight-groove rifling, a fixed blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight, and "S. ALLEN" stamped ahead of the rear sight. The lock is also stamped "S. ALLEN" at center. The iron trigger has a brass plate, and the furniture is mostly brass with floral engraving, including a stylized pineapple finial on the trigger guard. An engraved domed silver wrist escutcheon with silver wire inlaid border is on the wrist, a feature often found on the nicer Worcester County rifles, and a silver hunter's star is inlaid on the rounded cheekpiece.

Fine with dark brown patina on the iron, some minor pitting, attractive aged patina on the silver and brass, distinct markings and designs, and fairly minor overall wear. The stock is also fine and has mild scrapes and dings, a small chip at the tail of the lock, a few hairline cracks, and generally smooth finish. Mechanically fine.