Manufactured from 1854 to 1857, approximately 850 of the two types of single shot breech loading pistols were manufactured by C. Sharps & Company. This pistol is a Second Type which is slightly larger overall than the First Type and is chambered 36 caliber. These were made after the small frame single shot pistols and are numbered in the 470 to 950 range with a total production of about 350. The action is the dropping block, lever activated type based on the 1848 patent rifle and carbine. The percussion pellet priming device is made integral with the frame, the mountings are iron with no forearm under the barrel and the pistol was finished blue with a casehardened breech, lever and hammer. Dove tailed brass blade front and frame notch rear sights and fitted with two piece smooth walnut grips. The pistol has matching numbers on the frame under the left grip panel. On the front strap and on the back of the breechblock. Marked "C. SHARPS & CO'S / RIFLE WORKS / PHILA. PA." on the right side of the frame below the hammer and "C. SHARPS / PATENT / 1848-52" on the left side plate. The barrel has knurled rings at the muzzle and frame. The iron buttcap and its screw also have knurled edges. The frame sides, hammer, backstrap and lever are engraved with a floral scroll pattern and the top of the receiver has a sun burst pattern. This pistol is consecutively serial numbered to another factory engraved breech loading single shot pistol which is offered in this auction.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina with signs of some cleaning on the barrel. There is some minor pitting in the loading chamber and on the side of the primer housing. There are some strong traces of original bright niter blue finish on the sides of the lever and some original dull case colors on the butt cap. The re-oiled grips are very good with a few overall scattered minor dings and dents. Mechanically fine.