This is an exceptional example of a Civil War Allen & Wheelock Army revolver that was manufactured in Worcester, Massachusetts, circa 1861-62. 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 "ALLEN & WHEELOCK. WORCESTER. MASS. U.S./ALLEN'S PT'S. JAN.13.DEC.15.1857.SEPT.7.18." in two lines. The serial number "334" is marked on the left of the grip frame, inside of the trigger guard, rear face of the cylinder, cylinder rod, underside of the sideplate, and underside of the grips. "246" marked on the left of the hammer. Partial red painted inventory number visible on the butt.

Exceptionally fine, retains 75% original bright high polish blue finish with areas flaking to a smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, some scattered light pitting on top of the frame and defined markings and edges in the metal. 80% vivid original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. Grips are also very fine with most of the original varnish, some extremely minor chipping along the otherwise defined bottom edges, and some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.