1845 E&A 5 shot Pepperbox need help...

[80 grit]

..please. Hello! I found this sight by accident yesterday (I am thankful) after purchasing a Pepperbox from a friend who found it while cleaning her late father's estate.

It was in pretty could cosmetic shape. Even inside was relatively clean. However, it is not working and I noticed that both the hand spring and the main spring are broken. The main spring looks like it broke in half, but the other half was not inside the pistol. Also, the mainspring link was not inside the pistol. It is missing the trigger guard as well and if this model came with a nipple shield that is also missing. Not sure if it was supposed to have a nipple shield as it does not have any threaded holes for shield screws to attach to frame??? Also in the third picture I uploaded I'm not sure what that "indexing" looking "seer" is? It was inside the grip by the bottom of the frame and the hole is threaded? Not sure if it is even for this pistol as I have not found it on any of the schematics I have found online for a E&A pepperbox, however, I have not specifically found a "blue print" for a five shot Pepperbox like mine. Mine says 1845 on it.

I looked for some of the parts I need on a few companies websites that I have dealt with in the past for my BP replica pistols and rifles...but have had no luck. I was hoping someone could direct me towards a company or smith who may have the parts I need to get to the business of rebuilding and hopefully firing my newly found gem. Thank you so much for your time and help.

Joe (80 Grit)

 

[DD4lifeusmc]

I would say technically you could call the second picture a sear. the hammer locks depending if at rest cock or full cock
doubt there was a nipple shield as the nipple was recessed and looking at the hammer, not much extension. If there was, they likely would of used the nipple shoulder to secure anyway.
As to the main spring, If you can't find a direct replacement, take a measure including what appears to be missing. Perhaps one from a colt or remington replica will be long enough to replace, worse case may have to have a smith build one.
As to the link that is missing, can't help you there. Normally no movable link in a main spring. Both ends are just restrained againt the frame and hammer as slip fit.
Hand spring again can't help you. Don't remember actually seeing one myself. But again if you get a picture of one, you may find you can modify one from a newer replica BP revolver
But enjoy your nice find

 

[Berkley]

I believe1845 is the date of Allen's Patent. Would the patent drawings be any help to you?

 

[daboyleroy]

Looks like the main spring is missing or broken at the bottom of the handle. Where the spring turns and goes up toward the tension screw
Also missing the small loop looking piece that is shown at the top of the main spring in figure 2.

 

[daboyleroy]

Check this out may help

 

[80 grit]

I would say technically you could call the second picture a sear. the hammer locks depending if at rest cock or full cock
doubt there was a nipple shield as the nipple was recessed and looking at the hammer, not much extension. If there was, they likely would of used the nipple shoulder to secure anyway.
As to the main spring, If you can't find a direct replacement, take a measure including what appears to be missing. Perhaps one from a colt or remington replica will be long enough to replace, worse case may have to have a smith build one.
As to the link that is missing, can't help you there. Normally no movable link in a main spring. Both ends are just restrained againt the frame and hammer as slip fit.
Hand spring again can't help you. Don't remember actually seeing one myself. But again if you get a picture of one, you may find you can modify one from a newer replica BP revolver
But enjoy your nice find

Thanks Devil Dog. Not sure that "sear" was part of this gun. Perhaps someone tried to rig it to work with it in there????

 

[80 grit]

View attachment 228861

Check this out may help

Thanks Daboyleroy, I came across that drawing you put up. I found an even better one. I'll post it up. I checked "Track of the Wolf" and "Dixie gun works" for misc. parts, but didn't see any. I will still give them both a call. That replica is cool. Hope he worked out a stronger strike on the caps. We all know how fun draining misfires can be.

 

[80 grit]

Here is the detailed drawing of numbered parts I found.

 

[80 grit]

Found it here:


http://lapetoire.free.fr/pages/Armes_poing_pn.htm

 

[80 grit]

Click on "consulter" and "translate" for a plethora of exploded view on different guns!

 

[daboyleroy]

No problem
Here is the history ....first link and good site



http://www.bevfitchett.us/firearms-assembly/info-kyw.html

 

[4v50 Gary]

Looks like the mainspring is broken. There should be a NMLRA class at Friendship, IN to each how to make springs. You might want to look into it. That sear looks shot. It could be rewelded and turned on a lathe to rebuild it - if the base material is good. If it's potmetal, you're better off getting a replacement.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Very interesting. I am following this closely. I wish a major manufacturer would make an accurate pepperbox repro. The recent "effort" by Pietta is laughable at best.

 

[80 grit]

Looks like the mainspring is broken. There should be a NMLRA class at Friendship, IN to each how to make springs. You might want to look into it. That sear looks shot. It could be rewelded and turned on a lathe to rebuild it - if the base material is good. If it's potmetal, you're better off getting a replacement.

Better not tell my wife about that class in IN, she is from Elkhart and has been wanting to take a trip back home from here in FL. Are you talking about the sear with the notches in it? If you look at the drawing I posted above, it does not appear to be part of the original manufacture of this pistol. No, it is not pot metal.

 

[Oohrah!]

You might try

http://www.vtigunparts.com/store/default.asp

They have very good service.

 

[daboyleroy]

Take a look at
http://www.ows-ammo.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=56_111_112

 

[80 grit]

Thanks guys, I'll give those gents a call and keep looking!