TWO SHARP GUYS
THE MODEL 1A .22 CALIBER
And
THE MODEL 4B .32 LONG CALIBER
4 Barrel Sharps Pepperbox Pistols

 

4 Barrel Sharps Pepperbox Pistols
Top: Model 1A .22 caliber pepperbox - Left side view
Bottom: Model 4B .32 long caliber pepperbox - Right side view

 

4 Barrel Sharps Pepperbox Pistols
Top: Model 4B .32 long caliber pepperbox - Left side view
Bottom: Model 1A .22 caliber pepperbox - Right side view

 

 

     These types of breech-loading 4-Shot pepperbox pistols are typical of the many thousands of pepperbox pistols made by C. Sharps Company and Sharps & Hankins from 1859 to 1874.

 

     These pistols came in calibers .22, .30 and .32 short and long rimfire. Pictured here are .22 and .32 long rimfire models. Both of these pistols have 4-barrel clusters that slide forward for loading. Both specimens have rotating firing pins mounted in the hammers.

4 Barrel Sharps Pepperbox Pistols

Top: Model 1A .22 caliber pepperbox
Bottom: Model 4B .32 long caliber pepperbox

 

4 Barrel Sharps Pepperbox Pistols 22 Cal Pin View
Firing pin in top right barrel firing position (.22 cal. pistol )

 

4 Barrel Sharps Pepperbox Pistols 32 Cal Pin View
4 Barrel Sharps Pepperbox Pistols 32 Cal Pin View
Firing pin in top right barrel firing position (.32 cal. pistol)
Firing pin in lower left barrel firing position (.32 cal. pistol)
 

 

Model 1A .22 Caliber Pepperbox Markings

 

Model 1A .22 Caliber Pepperbox Markings Model 1A .22 Caliber Pepperbox Markings
C. SHARPS PATENT 1859
In circle around hammer screw head
Left Frame Marking		 C. SHARPS & CO. PHILADA, PA
in circle around hammer screw end
Right Frame Marking

Model 1A .22 Caliber Pepperbox Markings

Model 1A .22 Caliber Pepperbox Markings

SN 24763 on brass butt strap

 

SN 24763 under front of barrel 
(Barrel has to be in loading position to view) 

 

     This model has a straight standing breech and a straight grip to frame juncture. The original gutta percha grips have been replaced with ivory ones. The unengraved frame is silver over brass and the barrels are blued. The overall measurement is 5¼" with the barrels measuring 2-7/16". 

 

     The Model 1A was serial numbered from 1 to 60,000 and 1 to 5000 after reaching 60,000 thereby making some low serial numbered guns with later type features. Later Model 1 designations, in .22 caliber, are 1B, 1C, 1D & 1E.

 

 

Model 4B .32 Long Caliber Pepperbox Markings

 

Model 4B .32 Long Caliber Pepperbox Markings Model 4B .32 Long Caliber Pepperbox Markings
C. SHARPS PATENT
JAN. 25. 1859
(On right side of frame)

 

SN 8951 under barrel 
(Barrel has to be in loading position to view) 

 

     There are no other markings or serial numbers visible.

 

     This model has a straight standing breech and a rounded grip to frame juncture with a bird's head grip/butt. The grips are of dark wood. The frame and barrels are blued steel. The overall measurement is 5½" with the barrels measuring 2-15/16". It has some features (barrel length) of the Model 4C.

 

     The Model 4B is serial numbered from 2000 to 10,000. The Model 4, .32 long caliber designations are 4, 4A, 4B, 4C & 4D.

 

 

MORE PICS

 

Bottom view - Both pistols Top view -Both pistols
Bottom view - Both pistols

 

Top view -Both pistols

 

Business view - Both pistols See through View - Both pistols
Business view - Both pistols See through View - Both pistols
 

Rear view of pistols in loading position

Rear view of pistols in loading position

 

Top: Model 4B .32 long caliber pepperbox - Right side view 
Bottom: Model 1A .22 caliber pepperbox - Left side view

 

 

NOTES

 

     Reference credits go to "FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIRE ARMS... and their values" by Norm Flayderman.

 

     The reason these pages look so good is because I have a great webmaster, my son, Reed Radcliffe. I only take the pictures, do the write up and send them to him. He does the rest. (Webmaster's note - my easiest customer because he does all the thinkin'!)

 

     Take care, keep collecting and treat both your buyers and sellers as friends. We all need both. This weeks posting is dedicated to all those individuals who have traded, sold or purchased items from me. God Bless you all!

 

Dave Radcliffe