Pepperboxes were very popular defensive weapons even after the release of traditional revolvers, especially in early Victorian Era England. While many early revolvers were single action, pepperboxes like this offered rapid double action fire. At the short ranges for which these were meant, a single action revolver would have allowed maybe only one shot. They were also less sensitive to timing issues. This incredibly fine example has no maker's marks, but it does have beautiful floral scrollwork engraving on the action, floral accents at the muzzles and on the small parts, and small Birmingham proofmarks at the breech end of the barrel group. The thick, bag shaped grips are finely checkered. The overall design is similar to the Ethan Allen's bar hammer pepperboxes. The English fitted mahogany case is lined in plum color velvet and contains a 5 1/4 inch long fire blued bayonet that takes the place of the arbor pin screw, a Dixon & Sons brass powder flask, loading rod, screwdriver, Eley Bro. cap tin with caps, a few lead balls, and steel bullet mold.

Very fine. 80% plus of the vibrant original case colors and blue finish remain. Most of the fading is on the grip frame. There are also some patches of mild oxidation. The engraving remains crisp. The grips are also very fine and have crisp checkering, small nicks, and a few scratches. Mechanically excellent. The relined case is very good and displays mild storage wear including some tearing and compression of the lining from contact with the gun. The accessories are very good. The bayonet has nearly all of the bright fire blue finish.