C. Sharps Four-Barrel Pepperbox Derringer .22 Cal. Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,125.00

LSB#: LSB260629EB072

Make: C. Sharps

Model: Four-Barrel Pepperbox Derringer

Serial Number: 9885

Year of Manufacture: Antique

Caliber: .22 Cal.

Action Type: Four-Shot Pepperbox Derringer with Rotating Firing Pin and Sliding Barrel Cluster

Markings: The side of the frame is marked “C. SHARPS / PATENT 1859”. The serial number is 9885.

Barrel Length: 2 3/8″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the barrel cluster. The rear sight is a sight trough cut into the top of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece molded black hard rubber grips with an ornate floral and scroll pattern. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: N/A

Type of Finish: Blued Barrel Cluster / Nickel-Plated Brass Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: All four bores are semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling throughout the bores. In the writers opinion the bores rate 7/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 50% of its original metal finish. The barrel cluster shows substantial finish loss, thinning, brown patina, and handling wear. The nickel-plated brass frame shows blistering, flaking, finish loss, handling wear, and areas of exposed brass with developing patina. The screw heads show use. The grips remain especially well preserved and are free of chips or cracks. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition as an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this derringer. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: C. Sharps & Co. produced some of the most recognizable American multi-barrel pocket pistols of the mid-19th century. These compact four-barrel derringers used a sliding barrel cluster and rotating firing pin system, allowing four shots to be carried in a package substantially smaller than most contemporary revolvers. Their distinctive configuration, mechanical ingenuity, and association with early metallic-cartridge development have made Sharps pepperboxes enduringly popular with collectors of antique American handguns.

This example retains about half of its original finish, with the barrel cluster showing considerable thinning, finish loss, and brown patina, while the nickel-plated brass frame displays blistering, flaking, exposed brass, and age-related wear. The ornate black hard rubber grips remain particularly attractive and are in Excellent condition. All four bores are semi-bright with sharp rifling and fouling throughout, and the action functions correctly. This is a solid Antique C. Sharps pepperbox with appealing original character and especially well-preserved grips. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.