Item Description
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 .22 Rim Fire that fired individually by way of a single action hammer with a rotating firing pin. Easy to conceal, these were very popular, and often outfitted with custom options, such as the lovely decorative grips on this example.
The barrel is slid forward for reloading by pushing down the button on the bottom of the frame and sliding the barrel forwards. The underside of the barrel is marked with serial number 38368 on the dovetail, which is also marked on the bottom of the pistol grip frame. There were several variations on this pistol, including some in .32RF with a longer barrel. This is the model 1A, with the shorter 2 1/2 inch barrel assembly in .22RF Short, light and very concealable.
The pistol is also marked on both sides of the brass frame with the address and patent information in circles around the hammer axis screw. The right side reads:
C. SHARPS & Co.
PHILADA. PA.
While the left has:
C. SHARPS
PATENT 1859
Overall metal finish on the barrel cluster exterior is a nice polished light gray patina, having faded from the original blued finish from cleaning. There is also a bit of peppered oxidation on the right exterior of the barrel. Like most we see, the plating on the brass frame is completely removed, and it now displays a lovely "mustard" patina on the exterior. The flat bottom grip is very nice, with two lovely decorative composition "gutta percha" style grip scales. Both are in very good condition, with just a bit of chipping and rounding on the bottom edges.
The advance lever for the rotating firing pin works fairly well on this example, though the firing pin spring is a bit loose, so it does not stay in place well. We did not notice any other mechanical issues. The bores on the barrels are all clear, and all are in good condition, still showing clear rifling, but also wear and oxidation. This is definitely a pistol that saw a good amount of use during its service life. The barrel slides forward correctly when the button under the front frame is depressed, and then correctly locks back into place. There is no mechanism on this example that locks the barrel in place except when at half cock.
An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms. In very good collectible condition and ready to display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber: .22 Rimfire Short
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 5 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 4 Barrel Pepperbox. Rotating Firing Pin.
NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. 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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: United Kingdom
Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.
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 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
