{"product_id":"original-u-s-sharps-model-1a-22-rimfire-4-barrel-brass-frame-pepperbox-pistol-with-decorative-grips-serial-57203","title":"Original U.S. Sharps Model 1A .22 Rimfire 4 Barrel Brass Frame Pepperbox Pistol with Decorative Grips - Serial 57203","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\u003e57203\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 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 is a nice faded gray patina on the barrels, with a bit of light peppering. The frame has lost all of the nickel plating, which is very common. It now has a lovely mustard colored brass patina. The flat bottom grip is very nice, with two lovely decoratively molded \"gutta percha\" grip scales that look great, though the left grip has a crack running through it, now glued closed. They display foliate designs and flowers, nicely embossed, looking great while making the pistol easier to hold onto.\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 still have clear lands and grooves, though they also fouling and oxidation. The barrel slides forward correctly, however it can slide right off, as the elongated screw that would normally hold it in place has been worn down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms. In very nice 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 1865\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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39684649058373,"sku":"ONSV21NCS7","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV21NCS7__05.jpg?v=1639779523","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-sharps-model-1a-22-rimfire-4-barrel-brass-frame-pepperbox-pistol-with-decorative-grips-serial-57203","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}