1860's Vintage C. Sharps & Co. Model 1C 4-Shot Pepperbox in .22 Rimfire
Guns International #: 101504702 Seller's Inventory #: CBP19-180
Category: Sharps Pistols - Antique Pepperbox

Seller's Information
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Verified Seller
Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 179
Total Number of Listings: 14860
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.

Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check



Description:
The antique C. Sharps & Co. Model 1 4-shot Pepperbox pistol is one of the most recognizable pocket pistols of the mid to late 1800's in America.  First introduced in 1859, the .22 caliber Model 1 normally featured a silver-plated brass frame, a 2.5" inch four-barrel cluster assembly, American Walnut grips, a spur trigger, and a hammer with a rotating firing pin mechanism.  Factory finishes varied but the standard configuration was a silver-plated frame with blued barrels.  The Model 1 is a single-action design, requiring the user to cock the hammer each time.  The rotating firing pin fires each barrel in a clock-wise manner.  To load or empty the gun the hammer is pulled back one click, the button is depressed on the underside of the frame, and the barrels slide forward access the chambers.  These Sharps Model 1 Pepperboxes were carried by everyone from big city businessman to rural cowboys and cardsharks.  While they fired a small .22 caliber round without much stopping power, they held four shots and were both very reliable and readily concealable.  Even though it is a small pistol, the four barrel cluster gives the gun an intimidating appearance, and while 1 shot might not put your opponent down, 4 properly aimed shots most certainly would.  The C. Sharps & Co Model 1 remained in production until 1874, and during the production run the company produced 5 distinct variants (1A to 1E) known to collectors today.  This particular example is a Model 1C, the third variant made during the 1860's.  It features a scarce sliver-plated finish on both the frame and barrel cluster, a fluted standing breech, a round grip-to-frame juncture, a barrel release at the front underside of the frame, and American Walnut grips.  It is serial number 17107, proper for this model variation with a serial number range of 1 to 26000.  All of the serial number stamped parts match, including the frame, barrel cluster, and crossbar that holds the grips on.  As you can see from the pictures, there is still a lot of original silver plating still on this Pepperbox and it has very attractive aged patina.  Many of the examples we encounter have no visible plating left on them at all.  The factory stampings on this Model 1C's frame are still completely legible, with "C. Sharps & Co." stamped around the hammer screw on the right side, and "C. Sharps & Co. Patent 1859" stamped around the hammer screw on the left side.  The bores in the four .22 caliber 2.5" barrels are all very good, with nice strong rifling throughout and only some very minor small spots of pitting.  The original American Walnut grips on this Sharps are in great shape, free from any cracks, chips, or repairs.  Both sides show only some light wear and handling marks, and both sides are perfectly tight to the gun with no wiggle.  The action on this Model 1C seems to be in proper working order and all of the controls are 100% functional.  The barrel assembly locks up tight in the ready position, and slides out smoothly for loading/unloading.  The hammer still locks into both positions properly and the trigger breaks nicely with a light pull.  This C. Sharps & Co. Model 1C would be a great addition to any antique American arms collection.  These neat little pistols are not only good investments but are also excellent conversation/display pieces.        

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: C. Sharps & Co.
Model: Model 1 (1C)
Serial Number: 17107
Caliber Info: .22 Rimfire
Bore: Good
Condition: Good
Barrels: 2.5" Inches
Manufacture Date: 1860's