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LOT 3150
Fine Sharps Second Type Breech Loading Single Shot Percussion Pistol -
Serial no. 569, 36 cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured c. 1854-1857,
this is a scarce example of a C. Sharps & Co. breech loading single shot pistol. Reportedly, only 850 of these pistols were produced
across two variations, with this example being the second type, of which only approximately 350 were made. These second type pistols
were slightly larger than those previously made and were .36 caliber rather than the .31 caliber first types. It features a lever activated
falling block action, very similar to those found on Sharps rifles, and is fitted with a pellet primer system that is integral to the right side of
the frame. The right side of the frame has the standard three-line C. Sharps address, while the left side has the three-line C. Sharps patent date
marking. The matching serial number is marked on the left of the grip frame under the grip, rear of the breech block, and is stamped inside both
grip panels. It is fitted with a brass blade front sight and a notch cut into the top of the frame for a rear sight, as well as a pair of nicely figured,
smooth walnut grips.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered small
patches of light pitting/oxidation. The grips are also fine with light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. These Sharps pistols are rarely found
in fine condition like this one!
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3149
Scarce and Desirable Exhibition Quality Engraved A.D. Perry Second Type Breech Loading
Single Shot Percussion Pistol - NSN, 52 cal., 6 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured c. 1854-1856
by the Perry Patent Arm Co. of Newark, New Jersey, these interesting breech loading pistols are based on the designs
of Alonzo D. Perry, with this particular example showing very attractive, exhibition grade engraving. A small number of
breech loading carbines based on Perry’s designs were purchased by the U.S. government in the mid-1850s. These pistols
show many similarities to the C. Sharps single shot pistols, while also having a tip-up breech block that functions similarly
to the Hall rifles and carbines. This particular pistol is in the second variation configuration, having the longer serpentine loading lever
extending past the grip, the guide screw in front of the pivot screw on the frame, and the automatic primer system mounted within the grip frame. This example shows extensive, wonderfully executed
floral scroll engraving, with near full coverage on the frame, top of the breech block, and back strap, with flourishes on the lever and butt. The top of the breech block is marked “A.D. PERRY/PATENTED”
and “PERRY PATENT ARM Co/NEWARK N.J.”, which is in a banner. The pistol appears to be unserialized, indicating that it was potentially made for presentation or exhibition. The grip frame
includes an integral butt cap which is fitted with a screw plug for the primer system and a release latch to remove the brass primer system tube for loading. There is a brass blade front
sight fitted on the barrel and the grips are smooth walnut with “H.M. STEWART/WYNNEWOOD PA” hand carved inside the right panel.
CONDITION: Very good, retains traces of the original blue finish with the balance a mixture of grey and brown patina, some scattered patches of light pitting/spotting, and crisp engraving
overall. The grips are also fine with some minor dings and a few light edge chips. Mechanically excellent. These pistols are rarely available on the collectors market, let alone examples
showing exhibition quality engraving like this one!
Provenance: The H.M. Stewart Collection; The David Condon Collection; The Robert Howard Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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