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 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.

This example is a .22 caliber, Model 1A. Barrel assembly is smooth with very nice original blue. Bores are clean. Brass frame retains at least 50% of silver plating. “C. Sharps __ 1859” and “C. Sharps & Co. / Philada, PA.” stamps remain on either side of frame.

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

The black gutta-percha grips with floral pattern. The very low serial number (301) is found on the butt and barrel.

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