Sharps breech-loading, single shot pistol manufactured by C. Sharps & Co., in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, c. 1854-1857. This Second Type Pistol has a .36 caliber round barrel and lever activated, dropping block, action similar to that found on Sharps rifles. The pistol has a pellet primer that is integral with the frame, adjustable trigger and two-piece rosewood stocks. The serial number "603" is stamped on the inside of each stock. The barrel has a high polish blue finish and the frame, hammer lever and buttcap are silver-plated. The hammer and sides of the frame are engraved with well-executed Germanic style scrollwork in panels with scalloped borders. The top and spur of the hammer are engraved with a fanciful animal motif. The revolver is complete with a fitted walnut case with dark blue velvet lining. The case contains: (1) a cleaning rod, (2) single cavity iron bullet mold, (3) wrench and (4) tin of percussion primers. Sharps manufactured approximately 350 Second Type Breech-Loading Single Shot pistols; Sharps expert Frank Sellers estimated that approximately 40% of these pistols were engraved. Factory cased Sharps pistols are even more rare.
BBL: 6 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: silver/blue
Grips: rosewood
Serial Number: 603

Very fine. The pistol retains 60% plus of the bright original blue and silver-plated finish. The blued barrel has scattered patches of light surface rust with some very minor pitting. The silver-plated receiver, lever, back strap and buttplate have scattered flaking, mostly concentrated on the back strap, top of the receiver, lever and buttcap. The engraving is crisp and deep. A portion of the breech lever spring on the underside of the barrel is absent. The very fine grips retain 75% of the original varnish finish. The case exterior is in fine overall condition with scattered, minor, dents and scratches The deep blue velvet lining has faded to black. The lining is free from rips and tears but discolored from contact with the pistol and accessories. The accessories are in fine overall condition. This is an extremely rare example of a Sharps Second Type breech loading pistol with factory engraving, silver-plated finish, case, and accessories.