This Worcester production pepperbox was manufactured circa 1840s. The 6-shot barrel assembly has the following markings, each on a solid rib: "ALLEN & THURBER WORCESTER," PATENTED 1837," "CAST STEEL," and "BOLEN 04 B'WAY, N.Y." for the New York City retailer J.G. Bolen. The retailer marking was hand stamped by Bolen and is missing the "1" in the street address due to a broken die as the address should be "104." The frame and nipple shield are engraved with floral scroll patterns. The left side of the bar hammer is marked "ALLENS PATENT." A German silver oval inlay is featured on each grip panel. Overall length is 7 1/8 inches. Matching batch number "34" appears on the grip frame, hammer, hammer spring, trigger guard, both grip panels and barrel cluster. The period partitioned case contains a leather wrapped cylindrical powder flask, lead balls, two cavity iron bullet mold, case key, and cleaning rod. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Very fine. The nipple shield retains 60% original blue finish, otherwise the pepperbox retains 50% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina. The engraving is crisp. 50% original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are excellent with some minor handling marks and retaining nearly all original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a hairline crack on the lid, minor handling/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining. The accessories are all fine or better. A beautiful Bolen marked set that saw little use.