~ The Allen & Wheelock Centre Hammer Army Revolver

It doesn't silt up like the Remington and stop the cylinder turning every six shots or so. The Rogers is fine until it's time to clean it and then it's a right pain to get apart - so many screws holding the frames together. The Starr, Single action - who would want the double?, doesn't really have anywhere to rest your thumb, I like it, but . . So let me tell you about my Allen, Number 211, since they are relatively rare. Some 700 are said to have been made by the brothers-in-law Ethan Allen and Thomas P. Wheelock (who died in 1863 & the firm reverted to Allen & Co), but Flayderman suggested that the high numbers sold was indicative of a greater quantity being manufactured.

The recorded survivors' numbers mainly lie in the range of 1 to 653 which could be the derivation of the suggested total of about 700; Within my 90 odd recorded six numbers are duplicated, 47, 124, 151, 156, 208 & 219. #485 is the highest Version 1 number (nipples from the inside)

I am drawn to the conclusion that the three variants each had their own numbering sequence, Variants 1 & 2 starting at 1, variant 3 starting at 2001, however there is a fly in the ointment - #1251. I would dismiss this Poulin's attributed number as an anomaly, possibly a false strike, but for Version 3 starting at 2004. If no guns had been produced in the 1000 range why start Version 3 in the 2000s.

Why, you may ask, are there no recorded numbers between 653 and 1251? Is the answer the same as that to "Why are there only 4 Version 3s" (numbered 2001 to 2347) while there are 87 Version 1s & 2s (numbered 1 to 653)? How can 600 guns go missing when the survival rate of known guns approaches (87 out of 653 + 485 = 1137) 7.6%?

If you have any guns outside my known numbers please eMail me, rac.b@virgin.net, or even if you just have an Army and can confirm it's version.

I tentatively suspect the first variant (nipples inserted internally) numbered two batches about 500 each, the second about 750 and the third at least 350; however there may be two batches within the second variant. If one studies the photos below some have the cylinder stop cut out in the centre of the 'flat' part of the cylinder and some have it 2 or 3 mm forward of the centre. If true there are only two explanations : either the 'flat' section to the rear of the cylinder was extended (but that would mean the back portion was compressed, and it doesn't appear to be) or the stop head was relocated 2 or 3 mm further forward, thus a longer/repositioned lever and a change in the frame to accomodate. This could pressage a fourth variant, which would still be within the 'probability window ' of four number duplications if one considers the progressive drop in survivors in the later variants.

The shrouded cylinder is mounted on a long, front inserted, arbour, which is secured by a simple thumb catch. It is cut with two flats which offer two positions - fully home and partially extracted. Strangely the latter does not permit cylinder removal because some 0.040" of arbour protrude from the frame into the cylinder shroud; a further release of the arbour is needed. I can't see the logic in this because it sets up a dangerous possibility of the arbour falling out. The tail of the arbour fits properly into the frame behind the cylinder, so perhaps my second flat was cut just too short. Unlike, for example, the Remington there is no facility for 'parking' the nose of the hammer in a safe position between capped nipples. To be carried safely the pistol needs to be at half cock, with a free floating cylinder, its stop retracted. Since the half-cock position is with the hammer only minimally lifted this was obviously the designer's MO for six capped cylinders.

The chambers have a diameter of .458" to 459", the bore is .443" and eight .457" grooves (50/50 land /groove ratio), with a surprising 1:20 lefthand twist.

Two bullet moulds are known to exist and these are said to cast a round ball of 48 to the lb, about .464" and an ogival bullet weighing some 28 to the lb. The latter would leave space for a charge of up to 30 grains.

As with its predecessor, the sidehammer Navy, loading is aided

by a ratchet toothed lever, working as the later Colt's do, but also acting as a trigger guard, secured by a sprung loaded catch at the rear. The rammer head is shaped, uncompromisingly, for a pointed bullet. The Frame, hammer, trigger, cylinder (rear), rammer, rammer lever, arbour, mechanism cover and grips all bear the gun’s individual production assembly number.

These earliest guns are said to use a complicated and fragile “hinged pawl” action which produces a smooth action, but was expensive and time consuming to produce and difficult to repair. The hammer is mounted on the screw that enters through the right side of the frame and then secures the side plate. The pawl ensemble is secured with two screws and is easily extracted; thereafter hammer removal calls for a .350" block placed between the mainspring and the pawl rod 's rear screw 'hump'; failing which the arbour rod will do to keep the mainspring under control whilst the link is unhooked. The centre screw drops out readily and 'voila' one hammer - for cleaning. Note: the profile which controls the action of the cylinder stop, click the picture and look below the 211 .