{"product_id":"original-u-s-sharps-model-1a-22-rimfire-4-barrel-brass-frame-pepperbox-pistol-serial-44852","title":"Original U.S. Sharps Model 1A .22 Rimfire 4 Barrel Brass Frame Pepperbox Pistol - Serial 44852","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 .30 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003e44852\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC. SHARPS \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePHILADA. PA.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the left has:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC. SHARPS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENT 1859\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall metal finish on the barrel cluster exterior is a nice worn gray patina, having faded from the original blued finish from cleaning. There is still some of the original finish on the bottom dovetail. Unlike most examples we see, the frame on this example actually still has over 50% of the original nickel plating. The remaining plating does have oxidation and some bubbling, with a great worn look. Where the finish is gone the frame now shows a lovely mustard patina. The flat bottom grip is very nice, with two lovely black decorative composition \"gutta percha\" style grip scales. They show only light wear, with no cracking or chips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe advance lever for the rotating firing pin works very well on this example, and we did not notice any mechanical issues. The bores on the barrels are all clear, and all are in excellent condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. This pistol does not look to have seen much firing at all! 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms. In very good collectible 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 1870\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .22 Rimfire Short\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 2 1\/2 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 5 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Single\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 4 Barrel Pepperbox. Rotating 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":40451522658373,"sku":"ONSV22TGF05","price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV22TGF05__01.jpg?v=1670638170","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-sharps-model-1a-22-rimfire-4-barrel-brass-frame-pepperbox-pistol-serial-44852","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}