Only around 850 of these distinctive breech loading pistols were manufactured circa 1854-1857. Of these, only approximately 500 were this early "First Type" variation. Both variations use mechanisms similar to the famous Sharps rifles. Like the New Model rifles and carbines, it employs an integral pellet primer. The barrel has a brass post front sight, and the action has a groove rear sight on top, "SHARPS PATENT/ARMS MFED/[FAIRMOUNT struck out]/PHILA. PA." on the left. The frame under the left grip, both grips, the lever, the back strap, and the butt cap are marked "335." It is believed that Christian Sharps left the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. to start his own business in part due to the fact that others in charge of the Hartford company did not want to manufacture these handguns which they believed would be a poor seller and ultimately proved to be true. Other tensions, including changes to Sharps designs without his input, are also known to have been contributing factors to his Philadelphia venture. While these percussion pistols and the related "pistol rifles" were not successes, Sharps' rimfire four barrel pocket pistols as well as his Model 1861 and Model 1862 rifles an carbines proved to be more successful.

Very good with an attractive "frontier" look. The pistol has an attractive mottled gray and brown patina and some isolated mild oxidation and pitting mainly at the breech. Some markings have been obliterated as discussed above. The grips are also very good and have minor dings and scratches and mild handling wear. Mechanically fine. This is a very scarce Sharps pistol. These were manufactured in limited numbers and are hard to find today.