J.G. Bolen Business Card – New York Arms Dealer – “Life and Property Preservers.”

J.G. Bolen Business Card – New York Arms Dealer – “Life and Property Preservers.”  This business card features two pepperbox pistols, types that Bolen sold at his store carrying a good quantity of Ethan Allen Firearms, as well as other leading makers such as Sharps and their products.  A scarce illustrated card from circa 1850.

• The Location: Bolen’s store was located in the heart of Manhattan’s commercial district between Maiden Lane and Liberty Street. This prime real estate sat right across from Trinity Church. Before operating out of 170 Broadway, historical records note he initially established his trade nearby at 66 Green Street and 104 Broadway. [1, 2, 3]
• The Profession: While early New York city directories listed Bolen broadly as an “engraver, printer, and gunsmith,” his operations expanded significantly in the 1840s and 1850s. He focused his commercial enterprise heavily on the sale and distribution of “guns and pistols.” 

• Life and Property Preservers: He heavily retailed the iconic Allen & Thurber percussion pepperbox revolvers. He marketed these multi-barrel firearms as “Bolen’s Life and Property Preservers,” advertising them as essential defense tools for housekeepers and travelers. 
• Retailer Markings: Because of his massive sales volume, a high concentration of surviving antique Allen pepperboxes bear custom factory stamps identifying his storefront. Collectors regularly look for his rare, distinct hammer or barrel markings, which typically read: J.G. BOLEN, N.Y. or BOLEN 170 B'WAY, N.Y. (Web search info).