1859 Sharps Model 1A Pepperbox
The Sharps Model Pepperbox 1959 pistol, manufactured between 1860-1875, represents a landmark achievement in firearm innovation. This compact and easily concealable pistol was designed to provide reliable personal protection in an era when such a need was paramount. Its unique design, featuring four fixed barrels and a rotating firing pin, allowed it to circumvent the then-restrictive Rollin White patent, paving the way for a new era of repeating metallic cartridge handguns.
This particular model, known as the Model 2A chambered in .30RF, was part of around 26,500 pistols produced. A majority of the Sharps Pepperbox pistols (89,000 units) were chambered as .22 calibre. The pistol’s compact size and ease of concealment made it a popular choice for personal defense, while its innovative design and reliable operation solidified its place in firearm history.
The pistol’s distinctive features include a square cross-section, with two side-by-side barrels stacked atop another pair. This configuration, coupled with the rotating firing pin within the hammer, allowed for rapid firing of four consecutive rounds. The Model 2A typically featured gutta-percha grips, offering a comfortable and secure hold.
The Sharps Pepperbox’s influence extended far beyond its own production run. Its design was widely imitated, both under license and through outright patent infringement, leading to the production of countless similar pistols worldwide. This widespread adoption is a testament to the ingenuity and practicality of Sharps’ design.
Even today, the Sharps Pepperbox continues to be produced, both as reproductions of the original 1800s models and as modern variations on the expired patent design. This enduring legacy speaks to the pistol’s timeless appeal and its significant contribution to the evolution of firearms.
Key Features
- Four fixed barrels in a square configuration
- Rotating firing pin within the hammer
- Chambered in .30RF
- Compact and easily concealable design
- Gutta-percha grips for a comfortable hold
- Serial 10107 would date this around 1867-1870 production
The Sharps Model 2A Pepperbox stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its creator and the enduring appeal of practical, reliable firearms. Its influence on firearm design and its continued presence in the market, even after more than a century, solidify its status as a true icon in the history of personal defense weaponry.
