Page 160 - 4090-BOOK3

LOT 3247
Presentation Cased Factory Engraved Tipping & Lawden/Sharps Patent Four-Shot Pepperbox Pistol
with Award Inscription - Serial no. 599, 30 cal., 3 inch cluster bbl., blue/silver finish, gutta percha grips. This is
an exceptional example of an engraved Sharps “pepperbox” pistol manufactured by English gunmakers Tipping
& Lawden in the 1860s or 1870s. Tipping & Lawden were one of only two authorized European firms licensed by Sharps to manufacture pistols based on his innovative design. They were part of the 20 member Birmingham Small Arms Trading Company and manufactured approximately 4,000 of the Model 2 in four different calibers. This example has a blue barrel, silver frame, and gutta percha grips with relief floral designs. The frame features almost complete coverage of floral scroll engraving, which continues on the barrels in flourishes surrounding a knurled gripping area on each side. The left side of the frame is marked “TIPPING & LAWDEN/SHARPS’ PATENT” in a circle surrounding
the hammer screw. The serial number is marked at the muzzle of the barrel group on the bottom. It comes in a presentation style hardwood case with brass lid plaque reading “ST MARTINS DIVISION/WON BY/ Private Chas A. Allrhin/14th COMPANY/22nd August 1863” containing a nickel oiler, turnscrew, and cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% original blue finish and 95% plus original silver finish with a patch
of light pitting on the lower left barrel and some pits on the left of the frame as well as crisp engraving. Grips are
very fine with slightly softened floral designs. Mechanically excellent. Case is fine with cracks in the lid and some internal wall separation. This would make an excellent addition to any antique pocket pistol collection!
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3248
Very Scarce Factory Engraved Sharps Model
2 Four-Barrel Pepperbox Pistol - Serial no.
6187, 30 RF cal., 3 inch fluted bbl., blue/silver
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured from 1859 to 1874.
The pepperbox has the straight standing breech, rounded
grip to frame juncture, barrel release on the underside of the frame
and smooth grips. The silver plated brass frame features a floral scroll engraving on the
sides, rear and lower section of the back strap. A star burst engraving is featured around
the sighting groove. The barrel cluster is numbered to the gun. “C. SHARPS/PATENT 1859” is
stamped around the hammer screw on the left side of the frame and “C. SHARPS & Co/PHILADA, PA.” (half remains) on the right side.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel cluster retains 30% original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina with some minor spotting. The frame retains 80% original silver plating. The grips are very good with a minor chip missing near the bottom and a number of minor scratches. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 3249
Rare Factory Engraved Sharps Model
1A Pepperbox with Pearl Grips - Serial
no. 6866, 30 RF cal., 3 inch four barrel bbl.,
blue/silver finish, pearl grips. This pepperbox has high grade detailed scroll engraving on the frame, rear strap, and barrel assembly; blued barrels and silver plated frame, and smooth mother of pearl grips. “C. SHARPS/PATENT 1859” is marked around the hammer screw on the left side of the frame, and “C. SHARPS
& CO. PHILADA. PA.” is on the right. The matching serial number
is marked on the bottom of the barrel and on the butt. It has a
type 1 knurling on the hammer which has “56” marked on the firing pin.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrels have 70% original plating with the balance a mottled brown patina with some minor flaking and oxidation. The frame retains 85% plus of
the original silver finish with an aged patina. The grips are very fine with a few slight chips along the rear edge of the left panel and smooth iridescent surfaces. Mechanically excellent with crisp engraving and markings.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3250
Factory Engraved Tipping & Lawden/
Sharps Patent Four-Shot Pepperbox
Pistol - Serial no. 803, 22 RF cal., 2 5/8 inch
cluster bbl., blue/silver finish, gutta percha grips. This is a great example of an engraved Sharps “pepperbox” pistol manufactured by English gunmakers Tipping & Lawden in the early 1860s
or 1870s. Tipping & Lawden were one of only two authorized
European firms licensed by Sharps to manufacture pistols based
on his innovative design. They were part of the 20 member
Birmingham Small Arms Trading Company and manufactured approximately
4,000 of the Model 2 in four different calibers. This example has a blue barrel, silver frame, and gutta percha grips with relief floral designs. The frame features almost complete coverage of floral scroll engraving, which continues on the barrels in flourishes surrounding a knurled gripping area on each side. The left side of the frame is marked “TIPPING & LAWDEN/SHARPS’ PATENT” in a circle surrounding the hammer screw. The under side of the frame ahead of the trigger is hand marked “MZL/PZL/RDZ”. The serial number is marked at the muzzle of the barrel group on the bottom.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining 40% period refurbished blue finish and 75% original silver plating with the balance of the frame showing the attractively patinaed brass with some small dings and scratches on the barrel cluster and overall crisp engraving. Grips are fine with a small repaired chip near the front strap and some light high edge wear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
158