Original U.S. Sharps Model 1A .22 Rimfire 4 Barrel Brass Frame Pepperbox Pistol with Wooden Grips - Serial 13757

Original Item: Only One Available. This is exactly what the Mississippi gamblers carried on the River Boats after the Civil War for self protection. Featuring FOUR barrels, each in .22 Rim Fire that fired individually by way of a single action hammer with a rotating firing pin. Easy to conceal, these were very popular, and often outfitted with custom options, however this example is relatively standard, with wooden grips, most likely walnut.

The barrel is slid forward for reloading by pushing down the button on the bottom of the frame and sliding the barrel forwards. The underside of the barrel is marked with serial number 13757 on the dovetail, which is also marked on the bottom of the pistol grip frame. There were several variations on this pistol, including some in .32RF with a longer barrel. This is the model 1A, with the shorter 2 1/2 inch barrel assembly in .22RF Short, light and very concealable.

The pistol is also marked on both sides of the brass frame with the address and patent information in circles around the hammer axis screw. Both sides are however missing most of the lower line, so it may have been mis-stamped at the factory, or possibly it was refinished at some point:-

C. SHARPS & Co.
[PHILADA.] PA.

While the left has:

C. SHARPS
[PATENT 185]9

Overall metal finish on the barrel cluster exterior is very nice, still showing much of the original bluing finish in the flutes between the barrels, while the raised areas show a gray worn patina. Unlike most we see, the plating on the frame is still well retained in areas, particularly on the left side of the frame and under the barrel. The balance of the frame now displays a lovely "mustard" patina. The flat bottom grip is very nice, with two lovely wooden grip scales, which look to be walnut or possibly rosewood. Both are in very good condition, with just a bit of rounding and light chipping on the bottom corners, and the original finish well retained.

The advance lever for the rotating firing pin works great on this example, and we did notice any failures to advance or other mechanical issues. The hammer still has a functional half and full cock position as well. The bores on the barrels are all clear, and all are in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation, now removed, so the gun looks to have been well cared for. The barrel slides forward correctly when the button under the front frame is depressed, and then correctly locks back into place, though the hammer must be at half cock to do this, a mechanism that is often non-functional on these.

An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms. In very good collectible condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber: .22 Rimfire Short
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 5 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 4 Barrel Pepperbox. Rotating Firing Pin.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.