Sharps pepper-box pistol 1859-1874
Today we make a reference to this great piece of art.
The pepperbox pistol was produced from 1859 to 1874; between 1859 and 1862 by C. Sharps & Co. . In 1862 this company merged with Hankins Philadelphia and the name was changed to Sharps & Hankins, four years later this company split-up and Sharps take his company name again until 1874.
Were built four models of this antique firearm:
First model- Built from 1859 to 1862 by C. Sharps, and from 1862 to 1865 by Sharps & Hankins (inscriptions in frame). Produced in calibre .22 short with a 2.5″(64 mm) barrel.
Second model- Built in 1861 and 1862 by C. Sharps & Co, and from 1862 to 1865 by Sharps & Hankins (inscriptions in frame). Calibre .30 rim-fire with a 2.5″ (64 mm) barrel.
Third model- Made by Sharps & Hankins between 1863 and 1866. Calibre .32 short rimfire with a 3.5″ (90 mm) barrel.
Fourth model- Made by Sharps & Hankins from 1863 to 1866 and by C. Sharps & Co between 1866 and 1874. Produced in calibre .32 long rim-fire with a 2.5″ (64 mm), 3″ (76 mm) or 3.5″ (90 mm) barrel and a round grip section.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Calibre: .22″ short, .30″, .32″ short or .32″ long
Catridge capacity: single-shoot (per barrel)
Operation: single-action
Firing system: rim-fire
Breach-loading: bolt pin below grip section
Length:95 mm (3.7″), 108 mm (4.3″) or 120 mm (4.7″)
Barrel length: 64 mm (2.5″), 76 mm (3″), 90 mm (3.5″)
Weight: 295 to 325 g
Grip: walnut
Sight: bead
Safety: half-cock hammer