This is one of if not the finest known example in existence and was most likely an exhibition piece. Only approximately 1,500 .22 Sidehammer revolvers were manufactured by Ethan Allen & Co. between 1858-1865. Ethan Allen & Co. was composed of Allen and his two sons-in-law Sullivan Forehand and Henry Wadsworth who reorganized the company as Forehand & Wadsworth upon Allen's death in 1871. This example has a gold plated barrel and frame, silver plated cylinder, cylinder pin, and hammer; and a casehardened spur trigger. It has intricate Nimschke style scroll and geometric engraving on the frame, cylinder, and rear section of the barrel. The top strap and grip frame just behind the hammer have Nimschke stars. It is fitted with a pair of mother of pearl grips with varied checkering and floral designs. The grips are numbered "1847"; this is possibly a factory error. The left side of the barrel is marked "ETHAN ALLEN & Co WORCESTER, MASS" over the patent information. The revolver comes in a bound case with dark purple lined fitted interior with a cleaning rod and empty compartment.

Excellent overall with 95% of the original gold and silver plating remains with some slight edge and cylinder rotation wear and minor handling marks. The grips are near new with crisp designs and iridescent colors. The action is fine, and the markings are legible. The case is very good with some minor storage wear on the exterior and slight staining on the interior.