Sharps Model 2A Pepperbox Single Action .30 Rimfire 3” Brass Frame Pistol

The Sharps Model 2A Pepperbox is a fascinating remnant of post-Civil War American ingenuity, specifically tailored for discreet personal protection during a time of great expansion and uncertainty. Designed by Christian Sharps and manufactured in Philadelphia, these compact four-barrel pistols were immensely popular with gamblers, travelers, and those frequenting the bustling riverboats of the Mississippi. This example, serial number 2190, reflects that era’s blend of practicality and innovation with its rotating firing pin system, which allows each of the four .30 Rimfire barrels to be discharged in sequence from a single hammer—a remarkable feat of design for its day.

This pistol retains the longer 3” barrel assembly unique to the 2A variant, offering more ballistic performance than its .22 caliber cousins while maintaining ease of concealment. The barrels display a smooth, aged blue-gray patina with minor peppering and traces of original blue in the barrel flutes, complementing the brass frame’s mellow, aged tone, now void of its original nickel save for a few protected areas. The Sharps and patent markings around the hammer axis remain partially legible, a testament to its working life and age. The walnut grips are solid and well-fitted, with no major damage noted, and the rotating firing pin indexing mechanism remains mechanically sound, rare for these 150+ year old guns.

Whether viewed as a collectible, a piece of American social history, or simply an ingenious design from a bygone era, this Sharps Model 2A Pepperbox presents remarkably well. These guns were rarely preserved; most saw daily use and were discarded. As such, finding an example in this functional and visually pleasing condition is an opportunity that will appeal to collectors of early cartridge firearms, gamblers’ curios, or those with a particular affection for the postbellum American frontier.