3100

Exceptional Cased Factory Engraved English Tipping & Lawden/Sharps Patent Four-Shot Pepperbox Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 13,000.00 USD
Exceptional Cased Factory Engraved English Tipping & Lawden/Sharps Patent Four-Shot Pepperbox Pistol
This is an exceptional example of a cased and exhibition quality engraved Sharps Patent Four-Shot Pepperbox Pistol that was manufactured by the English gun maker Tipping & Lawden. The Type 2A pistol has a blued barrel, silver frame and casehardened hammer, trigger and barrel release. The grips are gutta percha with relief floral designs. The English style case has a burl wood lid with inlaid brass shield with an ivory women's head affixed to the shield, and is divided into four compartments, two with lids, one with an ivory pull and a clear plastic replacement on the other, and lined with blue velvet. An ejector/cleaning rod comes in the case. The serial number is located on the underside of the barrel. The left side of the frame is marked: "TIPPING & LAWDEN / SHARPS PATENT" in a circle surrounding the hammer screw. The silver plated frame, grip straps and butt are almost completely covered with well executed scroll engraving. The barrel has highly polished blue finish and is engraved on the sides with oval gripping panels surrounded by scroll work. The muzzle and breech have engraved borders.
BBL: 3 inch fluted
Stock:
Gauge: 30 RF
Finish: blue/silver
Grips: Gutta Percha
Serial Number: 1427


Excellent. The barrels retain approximately 97% of the bright original blue finish with the some minor wear and thinning on the sides and muzzles, as well as a few scratches and scuffs. The frame retains approximately 98% of the original silver finish with wear limited to the high edges of the right side, which shows the brass. Much of the silver has darkened with age and it doesn't appear to have ever be cleaned. Much of the original bright case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are excellent with only slight handling marks. The engraving and markings are crisp and clear. The action needs some work, the hammer doesn't hold a full cock position. The case is excellent with a few minor dents and scratches, and light handling marks. The interior and lining are very good with some minor contact wear and staining. The ivory pull is loose and comes out when pulled. This is an exceptional, high quality example of a Tipping and Lawden made Sharps Pepperbox pistol complete with the original case.