Lot 913

SHARPS 1859 MODEL 4-BARREL PEPPERBOX

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SHARPS 1859 MODEL 4-BARREL PEPPERBOX

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $500

(0 Bids)

by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
July 31, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
106 East Main Street, Suite 103
Elkton, MD, US 21921

SHARPS 1859 MODEL 4-BARREL PEPPERBOX
C. Sharps & Co. four-barrel pistol in .22 Rim fire. As it is very small, this pistol was easy to conceal and favored by card players. This model was offered in several variations which included various calibers and barrel lengths. This type, the Model 1A, features the shorter 2.5 in. barrel assembly in caliber .22RF short, with the overall length being 5 inches. The pistol fired each barrel individually by way of a single action hammer with a rotating firing pin activated by a spur design trigger. To reload, the barrel is slid forward while pushing down on a slotted screw button on the bottom of the frame and sliding the barrel forward. Front of barrel is fitted with a brass bead site. Marked with a serial number in two places, on the dovetail on the underside of the barrel, marked as '10560' and marked again on the bottom of the grip frame with '10560'. Additionally, manufacturer's markings appear on both sides of the brass frame with the information arranged in a circular pattern around the hammer axis screw. Marked on the right side of the brass frame with 'C. SHARPS & Co.' and 'PHILADA. PA.', and again with 'C. SHARPS' on the left side of frame. The former blued finish on the exterior of the barrel has now faded to a light brown patina from use and age. The advance lever for the rotating firing pin on the hammer seemingly works fine and shows no other mechanical issues, hammer cocks and responds to trigger activation. The bores on the barrels are all clear, and still show clear rifling, with some fouling and oxidation. The two flat bottom grips are in a very nice state of preservation with an attractive grain pattern, showing no chips or cracks. Manufactured by C. Sharps & Co. between 1859 and 1874, this models' run producing 156,000 pistols, with the serial number on this particular gun indicating that it was producing midway through the run probably around 1865. Generally fine condition.

Firearms sold in auction have not been test-fired, nor have they been thoroughly taken down by a professional gunsmith, therefore it is recommended that a full assessment be conducted by a qualified gunsmith before attempting to shoot or otherwise operate any firearm. Alexander Historical Auctions assumes no responsibility, financial or otherwise, in making any firearm safely and fully functional. That is completely the responsibility of the end buyer.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000