One of the most famous names in Civil War firearms, Christian Sharps, received his first patent for his breechloading mechanism in 1848. He later sold this patent and the Civil War-era Sharps carbines and rifles that are so familiar to us now were made by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company in New Haven, CT.

After breaking ties with that company in 1854, Christian moved to Philadelphia and opened a factory just west of the city near the “wire bridge”. The Fairmount Rifle Works made single shot pistols, small revolvers, and eventually the “pistol-rifle”. Only about 500 of these pistol-rifles were made.

This pistol-rifle measures 41 ½” long overall with a 25” long round barrel. Surface is smooth and clean and has a pleasing mix of plum and dark gray color. There is a decorative ribbed ring at the muzzle and one near the receiver. According to Sellers book on Sharps weapons this is solely a characteristic of the earliest specimens. A blade sight is morticed in at the muzzle and an intricate graduated sight (also patented by Sharps) is mounted over the fore stock area. Bore is clean and clear with strong rifling featuring a fairly nice twist. This is a 90-bore rifle which is approximately .38 caliber.

The receiver and associated components all have a nice tarnished pewter color patina. Hammer shows original case color. The right side is stamped “C. SHARPS / PATENT / 1848-52” under the hammer. The left side is stamped “C. SHARPS & CO’S / RIFLE WORKS / PHILA. PA.” What appears to be a serial number “6” is stamped onto the upper tang of the receiver. Cylindrical breech block and operating lever mechanics operate smoothly. Some very light pitting on top of the breech block. Original nipple. Hammer / trigger mechanics are crisp. Pellet priming system in place under the hammer. Breech cut to use reloadable, brass “mule ear” style cartridges.

Additional furnishings include a butt plate, patch box, nose cap, and a plate on the bottom of the pistol grip portion of the stock. The pear-shaped “Philadelphia” style patch box and the nose cap are silver plated. All these pieces are in excellent condition.

Walnut stock is very fine with wonderful color and finish. There are a few small dings and scrapes as usual from age and storage.

This is an amazing rifle; in both condition and rarity.   [jet]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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