Allen & Wheelock Center Hammer Army revolvers were manufactured only in 1861-1862. Estimates of the production total are as low as 700. 536 of these were purchased by the U.S. government. This example appears to be a scarce privately purchased revolver given the lack of inspection marks. It still was likely used during the Civil War. Only the officers and cavalry along with a few artillerymen were issued revolvers, so many infantrymen purchased their own sidearms as a back up to their muskets and carbines. This example has matching "156" and "56" markings on many of the components including the smooth walnut grip, cylinder, cylinder pin, loading lever/trigger guard, and left side of the grip frame. The left side of the barrel is marked with the two-line Allen & Wheelock address and Allen's patent information. It has a "pinched" brass blade front sight and a notch in the hammer for a rear sight.

Very good. The revolver displays mostly a plum brown patina and has some remnants of the original blue finish and patches of minor pitting. The grips are also very good with some general handling wear and scrapes. It is mechanically fine and has mostly crisp markings. Only a small number of these revolvers survived, and most that do have inspection markings.