Original 19th Century U.S. Manufactured J.R. Cooper Style Underhammer Pepperbox Percussion Revolver – circa 1850 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a truly lovely example of the unusual system known as the “PEPPERBOX”. The muzzle is similar to the business end of a Pepper Pot / Box of the the early 19th Century. All six barrels are contained in one solid “tube” or cylinder of steel revolving as a unit. The system was quickly superseded with the design of the traditional revolver, using a rotating chamber and a single barrel in the 1840-1850s. Pepper boxes as such were short lived with the possible exception in France and Belgium, where examples using the Pin Fire and Rimfire systems were made into the late 1870’s.

Our example is a somewhat unusual design, and is completely unmarked, except for a few assembly markings under the grip. The design is nearly identical to those made in England under the patent held by J.R. Cooper, however we feel that this was made in the United States as a “Clone” of the design. John Rock Cooper patented this design in 1843, and remained in business until 1853. The patent was apparently for the UNDERHAMMER firing mechanism, which is linked directly to the ring trigger. Most other pepperboxes use a hammer that strikes a cap nipple cone on the side of the cylinder, but these have the nipples on the rear.

The complete lack of markings would have made it impossible for any possible patent litigation to be delivered, and it was virtually impossible to retail a gun in England without proof marks, so this definitely looks to be a very high quality American clone. It features an engraved steel frame, probably original case hardened, with a blued cylinder assembly that has love machined straps between each barrel. There is additional engraving around the frame of the “bag” shaped grip. This is definitely a high quality upmarket example. The grip scales look to be walnut, and have a lovely color and a nice finish. We tested the action, and it functions beautifully, and does not appear to have any issues with indexing or cycling.

The Pepper box is exactly what a Riverboat Gambler might have concealed in his Coat pocket to deal with people angry at his “luck” at the tables. Nicely engraved decoration, and a fantastic look.

Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx .31″ smoothbore
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 8 1/4 inches
Action: Double Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.