C. Sharps Model 1A .22 Rimfire Four-Barrel Derringer – Civil War Era Antique
This compact, four-barrel C. Sharps Model 1A dates to the Civil War era and represents one of the earliest successful American pocket pistols. Its sliding barrel cluster, brass frame, and rotating firing pin made it a popular personal-defense choice in the mid-19th century. With a production span from 1859 to 1874 and roughly 85,000 built, surviving examples like this are sought after by collectors for their historical importance and distinctive mechanical design.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair
Bore Condition: Poor – Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
The barrels show extensive pitting, and the brass frame bears numerous scratches and dents from hard use. The bore is heavily fouled and pitted from previous rust. The action cycles, but due to the bore damage, live firing is not recommended.
What’s Included
- C. Sharps Model 1A .22 Rimfire four-barrel pistol
The Model 1A is identified by its straight-cut walnut grips and the underside button that releases the 2 × 2 barrel cluster to slide forward for loading. This simple, tool-less system allowed rapid reloads compared with contemporaries that required separate barrel removal.
A brass frame pairs with blued carbon-steel barrels, giving the pistol a distinctive two-tone appearance while keeping overall weight extremely low. At only 2.5 inches of barrel length and a micro footprint, it was easy to conceal in a vest pocket or small belt pouch.
The external hammer houses a rotating firing pin that automatically indexes to each rimfire chamber in sequence. Combined with single-action operation, the design delivers four shots before needing to reload, providing users of the period with meaningful defensive capability in a remarkably small package.
Legends encircling both sides of the hammer screw detail the Sharps patent and Philadelphia manufacture, reinforcing its provenance. Serial number 39874 places this example in the mid-production range, aligning with typical wartime and Reconstruction-era output.