The Model 3D Sharps & Hawkins four barrel pistol is one of the scarcer ones with only about 2500 produced in all variants. All of them are marked "ADDRESS SHARPS & HANKINS PHILADELPHIA PENN" in the flute on top of the barrel. The right side of the frame is marked "C. SHARPS PATENT / JAN. 25 1859". This model is identified by the vertically operating barrel catch. Note that there is no pivot screw on the frame ahead of the release button. The release is about 9/32 inch diameter and has a slot for the extractor. This allows for some velocity to loosen the cartridges after firing. The extractor, arranged vertically between the barrels is operated by the barrel stop at the front of the frame. The firing pin on this variation is mounted in the frame, retained by the screw in the right side of the standing breech. It is missing on this pistol. The gutta percha grips are checkered.

Good with 40% blue on the barrels and about half of casehardening pattern on the frame with light colors on both sides, mostly brown patina on the grip strap. There is some widely scattered spotting on this metal. The grips are fine with a few tiny chips at the base. PROVENANCE Eric Vaule