looking for some parts for 2 types of Allen and Thurber pistols.

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Paul69usmc

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Hi I'm just started collecting a couple of antique pistols. I have a Allen and Thurber pepperbox and a Single shot. I'm looking for some parts. Preferably originals I need a percussion nipple for the single shot. It was missing. And I also need a detent pin, detent spring , detent retaining pin for the pepperbox. If anyone knows of anyone or a place I can get original parts. Please help. Thanks and Semper Fi. Paul
 
I forgotten to also ask for a trigger guard for the Allen And Thurber Single shot also. If anyone has one that they can sell. Thanks again.
 
Wikipedia indicates that there are different models, calibers and patent dates that were made in different factories.--->>> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethan_Allen_(armsmaker)
Even the single shots had different top hammer and side hammer designs.

This Allen & Thurber nipple from Numrich doesn't specify if it fits a repro. or original model. --->>> https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/522540AE

I don't know anything about the parts that you listed and how important they are, or if they need to be originals.
One can only speculate about how to either search for parts or an antique gunsmith who can fabricate parts to put the gun in working condition.

The main idea would be to contact an antique gunsmithing outfit, antique gun dealer or antique gun collector who may have leads about either fixing the gun or trying to track down the parts which is a long shot.

An example of an antique gunsmith is Lodgewood Manufacturing. They don't list Allen & Thurber parts but may be able to provide help to fix it. --->>> https://www.lodgewood.com

Another example is to contact an antique gun dealer and ask if they know of any antique parts dealers or gunsmiths who may specialize in pepperboxes, or who can fix a pepperbox. --->>> http://www.davidcondon.com/index.htm

A third suggestion would be to contact your state, county or large city Antique Gun Collectors Association, or Gun Collectors Association and inquire about antique gun dealers or antique gun parts dealers who may specialize in antique revolvers such as yours.
These collector/dealers run their businesses out of their homes, and attend antique gun shows, they buy estate guns and collections, and deal with other collectors in their association. Some may accumulate parts or parts guns. Or they may know of gun parts dealers to ask about parts.

Think of it as hunting for a rare antique car part. There may be an undiscovered part somewhere, or someone may have a parts gun to part out.
Not everyone lists all of their inventory online like salvage yards do.
And I don't know of any clearinghouse for antique gun parts.
Some folks would keep an eye on eBay for possible antique gun parts listings using multiple search terms.

Could you tell us anything about how you came across the guns?
Can you show us any photos of the guns?

Welcome to the THR black powder forum Paul69usmc, and good luck with your parts search.
 
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Thank you for all this info. I was just checking out a online Estate sale and when I was scrolling through all if their junk being sold. I came across a Allen and Thurber pepperbox. It was a rust bucket. Won the bid for $98. The first thing I thought when I seen it was the history of the gun! And I knew I could save it! So I called my brother Marine that I served with that works with all types of weapons. We both come uo with a game plan to save it. Scrub Scrub away brass brushing and oil cleaning. Soaking in some PB Blaster. So far I made a huge dent in the rust problem. I been at it for about 1 1/2 months so far. And I just last week came across my another Allen And Thurber Single shot. That just had the trigger guard and percussion nipple missing it only had slight rust on it only where the nipple was missing. I can't wait to make these both complete and can't wait to get these in the best shape I can. They both are beautiful weapons of the past. That need some TLC for the rest of their existence here. Here are some pictures of both. I also ran across a CVA Mountain pistol kit that I also pretty much stole for $40. Only was missing a barrel rib and ramrod that I ordered from online and getting Monday. I went from 0 to 3 in a few months!!!! Can't wait to make and shoot this gem! Thanks Arcticap. Really appreciate you!
 

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I actually have two Allen & Thurber Pepperbox double action 'revolvers', one is essentially .31 caliber and the other is closer to .32 caliber; just yesterday I actually turned down some aluminum bar stock for a plunger to ram the .323 diameter lead round balls into each chamber... so fun to fire with CCI #11 percussion caps!
Allen & Thurber Pepperbox.jpg
 
I actually have two Allen & Thurber Pepperbox double action 'revolvers', one is essentially .31 caliber and the other is closer to .32 caliber; just yesterday I actually turned down some aluminum bar stock for a plunger to ram the .323 diameter lead round balls into each chamber... so fun to fire with CCI #11 percussion caps!
View attachment 997073
Nice!!!!! I can't wait to get mine to firing order. I need to find out what Cal mine is. It's the shortest barrel one about 4 inches. Can you tell by that? Or just get it measured?
 
I measured my chambers with some pin gages... 0.310-0.311" on one, and 0.329-0.332" on the other
 
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