Allen's Patent "Muff Pistol !"

**Walkwolf** · 03-29-2010, 05:04 AM

For your consideration...............

"Allen's Patent" is the only lettering on the piece, aside of the rather arthritic floral engraving. This was probably the smallest percussion pistol produced in the 1800's and would fall under the "Derringer" or "Muff pistol" category, as it is small enough to be hidden away in your hand, pocket or a ladies "muff" of the period.

I have only seen one other exactly like it, which is owned by a collector in my area.

To load this type of pistol you have to unscrew the barrel, put a measure of powder in, place a ball on that, and then screw the barrel back on - finishing with a percussion cap on top.

Regards,

Steve.

**Walkwolf** · 03-29-2010, 05:07 AM

It is only 128 cm long......................

**AZPhil** · 03-29-2010, 05:32 AM

Thats Nice

Thanks for the pic's
So what caliber is it?
Have you shot it?

**Walkwolf** · 03-29-2010, 05:51 AM

by AZPhil

Thats Nice

Thanks for the pic's
So what caliber is it?
Have you shot it?

Thanks, AZPhil !

I have never fired it because the barrel is "frozen" to the receiver/frame, and I don't
want to mess with it and mar the finish trying to remove it. I could use a rust inhibitor
like WD40, over and over, eventually loosening it, I suppose.

No idea what caliber it is and haven't even measured the muzzle ! !

Regards,

Steve.

**Richie B** · 03-29-2010, 09:42 AM

Steve

According to Norm Flayderman's Guide, that is an Allen & Thurber D. A. Bar Hammer pistol.

Produced from 1830s - 1860s. Estimated several thousand produced.

Calibres .28 - .36.

Quite rare.

Interesting little pistol - thanks for posting the photos.

Regards

Richie

**Walkwolf** · 03-29-2010, 08:01 PM

Thanks for the info, Richie !

I am mistaken in it's size. It is 128 millimeters long.
The inside barrel dimension is 12mm. ( .28 cal ? )

Regards,

Steve.