Antique Sharps and Hankins Model 3A Pepperbox. 3 1/2 Inch Barrel

When Mississippi riverboat gamblers sat down to the table for a card game, you can bet they

were discreetly armed just in case things went sideways. It would be a good bet that one of their

weapons of choice would be a Sharp & Hankins pepperbox revolver. A unique 4 barreled style

of revolver where the chambers do not turn but a striker on the hammer does. It was a favorite

among members of that profession back in the day.

Offered for auction is a very clean Sharps and Hankins Model 3A Pepperbox chambered in .32

caliber that was manufactured sometime between 1862 and 1867. Sharp and Hankins formed a

partnership and produced firearms during those years, but the partnership was dissolved in 1867

and all production ceased.

For a firearm that’s over 150 years old it is in remarkable overall condition. The piece functions

as it was designed. With the hammer in the half cock position and the button on the left side of

the frame pushed downward, the barrel assembly easily slides forward for loading and

unloading. The striker on the hammer rotates from barrel to barrel as the hammer is cocked and

the trigger is pulled.

The finish over all is primarily a very uniform and pleasing age related patina although a

significant amount of the original bluing remains on the frame. There is no rust anywhere on the

firearm. The barrel is 3 1/2 inches in length which references state is somewhat rare and more

collectible. The serial number 2245 can be found on the bottom of the barrel assembly and also

on the bottom of the grip. The right side of the frame is marked “C SHARPS PATENT” over

“JAN 25, 1859”. The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS SHARPS AND HANKINS

PHILADELPHIA, PENN.”

The involvement of Christian Sharps in the American firearms industry during the 1800’s is well

known.

It will undoubtedly continue to

increase in value over time.