*USA, Sharps 1859 Patent, Model 1C, Four Barrel 'Pepperbox' Pistol, .22cal, 2.5", Deactivated*
Serial number 21273 on base of grip. "C. SHARPS & Co. PHILADA. PA." Obverse "C. SHARPS. PATENT 1859. 21569" engraved underneath the slide barrel.
Christian Sharps (1810–1874) is credited with inventing both the highly successful Sharps rifle and the innovative Sharps Four Barrel Pistol. He established "C. Sharps & Co." in 1855, later forming a partnership with William Hankins as "Sharps & Hankins" until 1867 when the company reverted to C. Sharps & Co. following their dissolution. Sharps passed away in 1874 due to tuberculosis.
Sharps Pepperboxes, patented in 1849, featured a groundbreaking design with a revolving firing pin, and their four barrels slid forward for loading and unloading. Available in .22, .30, and .32 rimfire, production commenced in 1859 with the Model 1 in .22RF, producing around 89,000 units with brass frames. The Model 1C, the second most produced variant with 26,000 units, featured a distinctive blued 2.5” four-barrel cluster, a silver-plated brass frame, and rounded walnut grips where they met the frame. Serially numbered 21273 on the frame and 21569 on the barrel, this example exemplifies Sharps' ingenuity in circumventing the Rollin White patent on the bored through cylinder exclusive to Smith & Wesson.
To sidestep patent conflicts, Sharps devised an ingenious method involving fixed barrels and a rotating firing pin in a single hammer. Each time the hammer was cocked, the firing pin rotated one quadrant clockwise, aligning with the next barrel for a repeating metallic cartridge handgun. Loading required placing the hammer on half-cock, releasing the barrels, and replacing cartridges—a testament to Sharps' innovative approach.
*Condition*
This is a delightful and rare to find Pepperpot, that is in excellent condition commensurate with its age. It still retains considerable blueing, the walnut has a lovely patina and the slide mechanism works as it should. Fully deactivated. Please see photograph as part of the condition report.
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