{"product_id":"original-u-s-19th-century-sharps-hankins-model-3c-32-short-rimfire-4-barrel-pepperbox-pistol-serial-12097","title":"Original U.S. 19th Century Sharps \u0026 Hankins Model 3C .32 Short Rimfire 4 Barrel Pepperbox Pistol - Serial 12097","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 Short Rimfire that fire individually by way of a single action hammer with a rotating firing pin. Easy to conceal due to the size and small \"spur\" style trigger, these were very popular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel easily removed by pulling down the button on the left side of the frame and sliding the barrel off forwards for reloading, which also allows removal of the spent cartridges. Unlike most we have seen, there is no automatic ejection system on this pistol. The hammer must be in the half-cock position for the barrels to unlock and slide forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside of the barrel is marked with serial number \u003cstrong\u003e12097\u003c\/strong\u003e on the dovetail, which is also marked on the bottom of the grip. This is a all-matching example of the rare Sharps \u0026amp; Hankins Model 3C Pistol, a predecessor to the later Sharps 4A \"Bulldog\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top of the barrel assembly has the correct Sharps \u0026amp; Hankins address, which is somewhat faint due to wear and oxidation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADDRESS SHARPS \u0026amp; HANKINS PHILADELPHIA PENN.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pistol is also marked on the side of the lower frame:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC. SHARPS PATENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJAN. 25. 1859\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall metal finish is still quite nice, with a lovely worn patina of age from years of use. The frame now has an overall oxidized gray patina, without any real pitting or other serious corrosion issues. The barrel has had the original blued finish worn through on the sides, while the flutes still show the original bluing on all four sides. The flat bottom grip is very nice, with two lovely walnut grip scales that look great.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pistol opens and closes for reloading correctly, and the action still works, with a good dry fire. The rotating firing pin still works correctly, however the mainspring is a bit weak, so sometimes the hammer needs to be moved forward a bit before cocking to properly advance the firing pin. The bores of the barrels still show strong original rifling, with a few spots of oxidation and fouling.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms. In lovely matured condition and ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1864\u003cbr\u003eCaliber:  .32 Short Rimfire\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 3 1\/2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 6 1\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Single\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 4 Barrel Pepperbox. Rotating Internal Firing Pin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40559635234885,"sku":"ONSV23TGS11","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV23TGS11__14.jpg?v=1681391509","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-19th-century-sharps-hankins-model-3c-32-short-rimfire-4-barrel-pepperbox-pistol-serial-12097","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}