Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The London Gun maker Joseph Sharpe was in business from 1800 until 1840, and we have had several examples of his work previously. Initially he contracted with the Hudson Bay Company to supply these good quality Flintlock pistols that were traded to Native Americans in exchange for FUR PELTS that were eagerly desired in the European Fashion Trade. He would also be known for his brass pocket pistols, and for a time worked with William Keene of Birmingham who worked 1808-1815.
This pistol is marked SHARPE on the lock plate, and is fully brass mounted, much like other Fur Trade pistols of the period. It is 15 inches in overall length, and features a 9 inch .60" caliber smoothbore barrel, which is marked LONDON on the top. The barrel also has the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks from the English city of Birmingham on the top near the breech. These are the correct markings for 1813 and later manufacture. There is also what looks to be a maker mark between them, which we cannot make out. It comes complete with a wooden ramrod, which is probably a period replacement for display.
The pistol is in lovely condition, with a nice matured patina on the metalwork, and a lovely finished stock. The wood used has a lot of character to the grain, which does have a few stress cracks along the grain. The stock does not have a butt cap, a common style, and there is a brass escutcheon on the back of the grip, which is unmarked. There is no major damage, just the expected wear from use and age. We checked the lock, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.
A lovely example from the early 19th century, ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1820
Caliber: .60" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 15 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. 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.
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