The Sharps made these four-barrel pepperbox pistols in several models from 1859 to 1874. This is the Model 1A in Flayderman’s system, .22 caliber, showing a straight standing breech, straight join of grip to frame, and nicely figured gutta-percha grips.

Cleverly designed, the pistol loaded by sliding the four-barrel assembly forward, and fired using a rotating firing pin on the hammer. The pistol was easily concealed and natural for self-defense. Civil War recruits, armed by well-wishers at home, created trouble with them in camp, but they are better known as a favorite of travelers, gamblers and denizens of the west. One was purportedly found on Wild Bill Hickok after his death.

This one is serial #25664 and is in good condition. The silver wash on the brass frame was thinly applied and there is none left to speak of, but the barrel assembly is smooth metal with just some age spotting and shows some blue in the channels, at rear on the left, and front and rear on the right. The frame has a nice, even aged brass patina with a few brown spots and scratches. The frame stampings are crisp: “C. Sharps & Co.” on the right and “C. Sharps / Patent 1859” on the left. The grips are very good, with a tight fit to the frame and good detail on the raised, molded, motifs. They show minor wear from handling and only one tiny nick on the base of the heel on the right.

This would display well in a grouping of Old West material, perhaps laid out on a poker hand of four kings and an ace that has just been beaten by four aces and a king.  [sr]

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