This is an outstanding example of a cased Sharps Patent Four-Shot Pepperbox pistol that was manufactured by the English gun maker Tipping & Lawden. This Model 2 pistol has a blue barrel group, silver frame, casehardened small parts, and gutta percha grips with relief floral designs. The left side of the frame is marked "TIPPING & LAWDEN/SHARPS PATENT" in a circle surrounding the hammer screw. The serial number is marked on the underside of the barrels at the muzzle, underside of the buttplate, on the bottom of each grip panel, and in the groove on the frame. Two small English proofs are marked in the flute on each side of the barrel group. The pistol comes in a English style case with a burl wood lid with inlaid brass shield and blue velvet lined interior. The inside of the lid has a J. Beattie label. It has an empty compartment with sliding wood lid and compartments for the included oiler, screw driver, and ejector rod.

Excellent. The pistol retains 95% plus of the bright original blue finish and silver plating with some slight spots of visible brass and faint scratches overall. The silver is lightly aged/tarnished overall. The grips are very fine with some minor handling wear. The action remains excellent, and the markings are crisp. The case is very good with some pressure marks on the exterior, slight separation at one corner, and some minor stains and tears on the interior. The accessories are very fine. This is an outstanding complete set! Only 4,000 of these licensed pistols were manufactured by Tipping & Lawden in the 1860s and 1870s. Few of these pistols made their way to the States, and less than a handful can be found in this exceptional condition.