Make: C. Sharps & Co.

Model: Four Barreled Pepperbox Model 1A

Serial Number: 58241

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

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Rimfire, black powder only, the chamber has been lengthened from it’s original configuration

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

Barrel Length: 2.5"

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 gutta-percha grips are two-piece hard rubber held to the frame by a brass cap screwed to the bottom of the frame. The panels have decorative floral scrolls throughout. The grips have fairly light handling wear and a small chip taken from the back of the right grip panel. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Gold Plated Brass

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are grey and the rifling is worn with some fouling. There is mild erosion and pitting in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6.5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 30% of its metal finish. The barrels show a light patina and have lost most of their finish. The barrels have scattered light pitting. The gold plating on the brass frame has flaked off in many spots and raw brass is visible in many places. There are some scattered nicks, dings, and scratches throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled with strong slots. The markings are partially worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 an uncommon and visually striking variation of the Sharps Model 1A, distinguished by its gold plated frame finish. Approximately 30% of the total finish remains. The barrel is matching serialized, an important point of originality on early Sharps rimfire pistols. The compact profile and short barrel reflect the Model 1A's intended role as a discreet pocket arm during the mid nineteenth century.

Mechanically, the pistol remains sound. The bore rates 6.5 out of 10, showing moderate wear but retaining visible rifling and serviceable interior condition for its age. The action functions correctly, opening and closing smoothly with proper lockup. Overall tightness and operation are notable for a rimfire pistol produced during the earliest era of metallic cartridge firearms.

Gold plated Sharps Model 1A pistols are far less common than standard blued or nickel finished examples, and non engraved gold plated variants are especially scarce. Such finishes were typically ordered as presentation or deluxe personal pieces, making surviving examples particularly desirable to advanced collectors. The combination of original gold plating, matching serialized barrel, and correct mechanical function places this pistol in a select category of early American rimfire handguns that blend rarity, historical importance, and distinctive appearance.