Allen and Wheelock .32 Sidehammer

[kotkinjs1]

Hi all,

Was on my way out of a gunshow empty-handed (more and more these shows have been less antique and C&R and more all-things-plastic ****) but stumbled upon this little gem right before the door. Turns out it's a Allen and Wheelock 32 in great condition; all matching serial numbers (#111, even the grips) no big dings or scratches, all the timing, springs, etc are perfect. Best part is a got it for a total steal. That being said, I don't know too much about these. Only produced during the CW, mostly a private purchase? No other marks on it besides the barrel address/patent dates. I think these are supposed to have cylinder scenes but there's absolutely nothing here. Doesn't look like its been worn down so maybe some were made without the roll stamping?

 

[Mark A]

Nice A&W and boy did you open a can of worms for yourself with this revolver.

Allen & Wheelock made three models of this 32 caliber rim fire revolver each model having variations of hammers, cylinders, cylinder pins & retainers and frame designs.

There were three cylinder lengths of: .905 inch, .940 inch and 1.20 inch. Your A&W has the most commonly found .940 inch cylinder.

There are three different top straps on eight different frame designs. Your's is the top strap that is squared where the hammer enters the frame and is the most common.

There were three different hammer designs: 1) round, 2) half round - half squared and 3) the hammer on your gun having a square hammer face.

The last thing to point out is the grip on your gun. It's design is commonly referred to as a quick drop grip versus the later made slow drop grip.

A collector could buy several (a dozen or more) A&W 32 caliber rim fire revolvers and never duplicate a gun he already owns.

Sorry to muddy the waters but Allen & Wheelock was always making design improvements which often led to many variations of the same gun.

 

[mofederal]

A nice revolver. The more I see them, I kind of like them. Thanks for posting.

 

[Cpl. Smith]

Nice find.

 

[Mark A]

Hi all,

Was on my way out of a gunshow empty-handed (more and more these shows have been less antique and C&R and more all-things-plastic ****) but stumbled upon this little gem right before the door. Turns out it's a Allen and Wheelock 32 in great condition; all matching serial numbers (#111, even the grips) no big dings or scratches, all the timing, springs, etc are perfect. Best part is a got it for a total steal. That being said, I don't know too much about these. Only produced during the CW, mostly a private purchase? No other marks on it besides the barrel address/patent dates. I think these are supposed to have cylinder scenes but there's absolutely nothing here. Doesn't look like its been worn down so maybe some were made without the roll stamping?
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I received this photo from a collector friend, thought you might like to see it. Very unusual to see a CW period picture of a soldier holding a pocket model Allen & Wheelock.

 

[JOHN42768]

Nice little revolver, enjoy