Make: C. Sharps & Co.

Model: Four Barreled Pepperbox Model 2B

Serial Number: 1866

Year of Manufacture: 1859-1874 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: .30 Long Rimfire, Black Powder Only

Action Type: Single Action 4 Barreled Breech Loading Pepperbox with Rotating Firing Pin in Hammer

Barrel Length: 3"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass bead in the middle of the upper barrel channel. The rear sight is a "V" groove in the top of the frame.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The checkered grips are two-piece hard rubber held to the frame by a brass cap screwed to the bottom of the frame. The grips show moderate wear on the checkering and have some minor surface blemishes. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Brass

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are dark and the rifling is worn. There is mild oxidation and pitting in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. The barrels show a mild patina and have lost most of their finish. The barrels have scattered light pitting. The brass frame has some scattered nicks, dings, and scratches throughout. The screw heads are tooled with weak slots. The markings are partially worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, but there is a ding at the muzzle of the lower right barrel. This antique should not be fired with the ding. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a solid example of Sharps' larger frame pocket pistol, reflecting the transitional period of early metallic cartridge handguns. Approximately 40% of the original finish remains, consistent with age and long term carry. The barrel is matching serialized, an important indicator of originality on Sharps pistols of this era. The slightly longer 3" barrel and larger caliber distinguish the Model 2B from the smaller Model 1 series and give it a more substantial in hand presence.

Mechanically, the pistol remains serviceable. The bore rates 5 out of 10, showing wear expected for a nineteenth century rimfire. The action functions correctly, opening and closing smoothly with proper lockup, which is notable for a handgun produced during the earliest decades of self contained cartridge development.

Historically, the Model 2B represents Sharps' response to demand for more powerful pocket pistols during the Civil War and post war years. Chambered in .30 Long Rimfire, it offered increased performance over smaller rimfire cartridges while retaining a compact, concealable format. An example with matching barrel serials, correct mechanical function, and honest remaining finish stands as a representative and desirable artifact of early American cartridge handgun production.