Original Item: Only One Available. This is exactly what the Mississippi gamblers carried on the River Boats after the Civil War for self protection. Featuring FOUR barrels, each in .32 Rim Fire that fired individually by way of a single action hammer with a rotating firing pin. Easy to conceal, these were very popular.

The barrel easily removed by pulling down the button on the left side of the frame and sliding the barrel off forwards for reloading with the hammer in the half cock position. The underside of the barrel is marked with serial number 8619 on the dovetail, which is also marked on the grip frame under the grip scales. This is an all-matching example of the rare Sharps Model 4A "Bulldog" Pistol, of which less than 2000 were ever made in this configuration. We have only had three of these rare pistols previously.

The pistol is marked on the side of the lower frame:-

Overall metal finish is still quite nice on the barrel, which still has a good amount of the original nickel plating. The frame however was not plated, and has suffered some oxidation over the years, now cleaned off. This has made the marks on the frame somewhat faint. There also has been a brass shim soldered to the front of the trigger to make it easier to fire, as the spur triggers could sometimes be difficult to work with when the internals start to wear. The bird's head grip is very nice, and appears to be walnut, with a great deep brown color.

The rotating internal firing pin works well on this example, and the action works well. The bores are all clear, but due show significant use, particularly the upper right barrel, which has had most of the rifling worn away. The upper left has more rifling, and the two bottom barrels show the best rifling. Definitely interesting that some barrels are more worn than others.

An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms. In very good condition and ready to display.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber:  .32 Rimfire
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 2.5 inches
Overall Length: 4 3/4 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 4 Barrel Pepperbox. Rotating Firing Pin.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.