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Rare Factory Engraved Sharps Breech Loading Single Shot Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,250.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 7,000.00 USD
Rare Factory Engraved Sharps Breech Loading Single Shot Pistol
Manufactured from 1854 to 1857, approximately 850 of the two types of single shot breech loading pistols were manufactured by C. Sharps & Company. This pistol is a Second Type which is slightly larger overall than the First Type and is chambered 36 caliber percussion. These were made after the small frame single shot pistols and are numbered in the 470 to 950 range with a total production of about 350. The action is the dropping block, lever activated type based on the 1848 patent rifle and carbine. The percussion pellet priming device is made integral with the frame, the mountings are iron with no forearm under the barrel and the pistol was finished blue with a casehardened breech, lever and hammer. Brass blade front and frame notch rear sights and fitted with two piece smooth walnut grips. The pistol has matching numbers on the frame under the left grip panel, on the front strap and on the back of the breechblock. Marked "C. SHARPS & CO'S / RIFLE WORKS / PHILA. PA." on the right side of the frame below the hammer and "C. SHARPS / PATENT / 1848-52" (faint) on the left side plate. The sides of the frame, lever and backstrap are floral scroll engraved, the top of the frame has a sunburst design and the backstrap also has a scalloped border on each side. The barrel has knurled rings at the muzzle and frame. The iron buttcap and its screw also have knurled edges. The pistol is fitted with two piece smooth burl walnut grips.
BBL: 6 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 619


Good. The metal surfaces have been cleaned bright and there is some minor pitting on the left side of the frame. The grips are fine with 30% original varnish remaining and showing a few minor dents and handling marks. With exception noted above, the engraving and markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.