The Sharps four-barrel pepperbox was manufactured in several models and in the tens of thousands from 1859 to 1874. The cleverly designed pistol fired rimfire cartridges loaded by sliding the four-barrel assembly forward. A firing pin on the hammer rotates each time the hammer is cocked so as to discharge each barrel in turn. Small and pocket-sized, the pistol was easily concealed and natural for self-defense. Some Civil War soldiers carried them into camp and created trouble when drunk or careless, but they are better known as a favorite of travelers, gamblers and denizens of the west. One was supposedly found on Wild Bill Hickok after his death, a handy backup piece at a poker table. It would display well in a grouping of Old West material.

This example is a .22 caliber, Model 1A. Barrel assembly is smooth with an even light tone. There is approximately 40% of silver plating left on the brass frame. The “C. Sharps & Co. / Philada. Pa.” stamp is clearly visible on the left side of the barrel assembly, and the “C. Sharps / Patent 1859” on the right. According to Flayderman, this straight line stamping is from early production and less common. Brass frame remains well engraved with floral/leafy pattern.

Mechanically very fine with crisp action and proper rotation of the firing pin. Barrel assembly opens and closes well.

The black gutta-percha, straight-edge grips are good. The leafy pattern is distinct and raised, not worn down from handling, and free of chips or cracks. The serial number found on the butt and barrel are 4404.

This is a very nice example of the .22 caliber Sharps 1A, in Flayderman’s system. [jet][ph:L]