Original 19th Century U.S. Sharps Model 2C .30 Rimfire 4 Barrel Brass Frame Pepperbox Pistol – Serial 15629 Original Items

Original 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.

The barrel is slid forward for reloading by pushing in the button on the bottom of the frame and sliding the barrel forwards with the hammer in the “half cock” position. The underside of the barrel is marked with serial number 15629 on the dovetail, which is also marked on the bottom of the pistol grip frame. There were several variations on this pistol, including the Model 1 .22RF with a shorter barrel. This is the model 2C, with the longer 3 inch barrel assembly in .30RF, for a bit more “punch”. There were also models in the slightly larger .32RF, the Models 3 and 4.

The pistol is also marked on both sides of the brass frame in circles around the hammer axis screw, with both sides still crisp. The right side reads:

C. SHARPS & Co.
PHILADA. PA.

While the left side has:

C. SHARPS
PATENT 1859

Overall metal finish is a nice gray patina on the barrels, except in the fluted recesses, which still show some of the original blued finish. The frame was originally nickel plated, and there are still traces remaining around the barrel assembly and breech. The rest has a lovely lightly oxidized brass patina. The flat bottom grip is very nice, with two checkered hard rubber or composition grips, which are in very good shape. They show only light wear with no major chips or chunks missing.

The breech opens correctly when the lock button is depressed, stopping once it is in the loading position. This version does not have any provision for an extractor / ejector. The 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, with mostly bright finishes. They show just a bit of oxidation, and really are in prime condition considering the black powder ammunition used.

An interesting stepping stone in 19th Century American firearms. In lovely matured condition ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber:  .30 Rimfire
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 5 1/2 inches
Action: Single
Feed System: 4 Barrel Pepperbox. Rotating Firing Pin.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.