Sharps pistols variants
The second group is the pistols produced by Sharps & Hankins after the merger of Christian Sharps with William Hankins: different variants of the third and fourth Sharps models.
The third group is Sharps pistols, manufactured in England by Tipping & Lawden, after they acquired the rights to manufacture the pistol.
Pistols Sharps first model (Sharps Model 1) manufactured by Sharps and Company under the chambered ring ignition caliber 0.22. Weapon is marked in the form of alphanumeric text inscribed in a circle on the left and right sides of the frame. On the left side of the frame is the text: “C. SHARPS PATENT 1859 ", the right side is marked" C. SHARPS & CO. PHILADA, PA ". The pistol grips are straight, the grip cheeks are usually made of wood, with the exception of the 1A model. The main variants of the first model of Sharps pistol: model 1A, model 1B, model 1C, model 1D, model 1E.
Gun Sharps Model 1A (Sharps Model 1A)
Pistols Sharps models 1A (Sharps Model 1A) are most often found in collections. Most likely the pistols of this model were released more than other varieties.
A distinctive feature of this model is the straight, without smooth bends and steps, the shape of the breech frame. The upper part of the cheeks handle has a straight cut.
The serial numbers of this model are from 1 to 60 000. After the 60 000 number was reached, they began to produce pistols with serial numbers from 1 to 5000. For this reason, sometimes there are pistols with signs of a later release, but with low serial numbers.
The handles of the pistols are straight, the cheeks of the handles are usually made of hard rubber (gutta-percha). The lock button for the barrel unit is located in the lower front part of the frame. Frames pistols made of brass. In the arms released with an engraved frame, sometimes set the cheeks handle, made of bone.
Pistol Sharps Model 1B (Sharps Model 1B)
Pistols Sharps models 1B (Sharps Model 1B) outwardly differ from the model 1A characteristic stepped breech frame. Brass frame most often silver plated.
The button for fixing the barrel unit is located on the left side of the frame. When moving the lock button down, the barrels are unlocked and the receiver unit can be moved along the guides of the frame forward.
Sharps pistol grip cheeks Models 1B are mainly made of wood. The upper cut of the cheeks of the handles at the point of contact with the frame has a semicircular shape. The serial numbers of the Sharps Model 1B pistols range from 1 to 3200.
Gun Sharps Model 1C (Sharps Model 1C)
Pistols Sharps models 1C (Sharps Model 1C) have a brass frame with a stepped form of the breech, like pistols model 1B.
However, unlike the 1B model, the button for fixing the barrel unit in Sharps Model 1C pistols is located in the lower front part of the frame.
The cheeks of the arms are usually wooden. The shape of the upper part of the handle cheeks semicircular.
The serial numbers of this variety are usually found in the range from 1 to 26000.
The shape of the notch on the surface of the trigger probably also differs from model to model, but it was not possible to find exact information about it.
Gun Sharps Model 1D (Sharps Model 1D)
Sharps Pistols The 1D models are almost identical in appearance to the 1C model, except that the pistol frames are made not of brass, but of steel.
Pistols Model 1D made very little. The serial numbers of the weapon for this 22000 variant are 23000.
Find photos Sharps pistol Model 1E (Sharps Model 1E) site HistoryPistols.ru could not. Judging by the description in the references, this model is distinguished by the rounded shape of the breech frame (resembling the frame shape of the 4 model). The cheek arms of the weapon have a rounded top cut. The fixing button of the barrel unit is located at the bottom of the frame in front. Serial numbers range from 1 to 2200.
Pistols Sharps second model (Sharps Model 2) also produced by Sharps and Company. Varieties of this model pistol were made chambered for ring ignition caliber 0.30. Frames pistols made of brass and have an average size. Marking pistols exactly the same as the model 1. The main variations of the second Sharps pistol model: 2A model, 2B model, 2C model, 2D model, 2E model.
Gun Sharps Model 2A (Sharps Model 2A)
Sharps Pistols 2A models have a brass frame with a straight breech shape.
The cheeks of the handle are usually made of hard rubber (gutta-percha) and have a straight upper cut shape at the point of contact with the frame.
The button for fixing the barrel unit is located in the front part of the frame below.
The serial numbers of Sharps pistols The 2A models are found in two ranges. Early pistols are numbered from 1 to 30 000, later the numbering is repeated from 1 to 5000.
Pistol Sharps Model 2B (Sharps Model 2B)
Pistols 2V models also have a brass frame with a straight breech shape.
In ordinary models, the cheeks of the handle are made of wood, and in the gift variants of bone. The upper cut cheeks handle has a semicircular shape.
The brass frames of the gift versions of the pistol are decorated with the engraving of floral ornament and covered with silvering.
The serial numbers of the Sharps Model 2B pistols begin with 1 and end with the 4000 number.
Gun Sharps Model 2C (Sharps Model 2C)
The 2C model has a corrugated (stepped) breech shape. The upper part of the cheeks handle semicircular shape, cheeks handle wooden.
The fixing button of the capital unit is located in front of the bottom of the frame.
The serial numbers of the 2C guns are between the 3000 number and the 6000 number.
The shape of the notches on the needle of a pistol with a gun. Model 2C is almost the same as early models.
Pistols Sharps Model 2D (Sharps Model 2D) have a stepped (grooved) shape of the breech frame. The cheeks of the handles of the standard models of pistols are made of hard rubber and covered with a checkered notch. The upper cut of the cheeks handles straight shape. Serial numbers from 1 to 1200. Unfortunately, it was not possible to find photos to illustrate these pistols.
Gun Sharps Model 2E (Sharps Model 2E)
Sharps Pistols 2E models are equipped with a brass frame with a breech shape of straight shape without steps and smooth bends.
The cheeks of the handle of the pistols of this variety are made of hard rubber, the surface of the cheeks of the arms is decorated with a floral embossed ornament.
References indicate that the range of pistols of this variety is smaller than that of other guns Model 2. Sharps piston serial numbers The 2E models range from 1 to 600.
The Sharps Model 3 pistols were manufactured by Sharps & Hankins after Christian Sharps and William Hankins merged and formed a joint venture. Various versions of this pistol model were made for a 0.32 caliber rimfire cartridge with a short sleeve. The frames of the pistols have a rounded breech outline. The pistol markings are significantly different from previous models and are the text in the upper part of the barrel unit "ADDRESS SHARPS & HANKINS, PHILADELPHIA, PENN.", As well as text in two lines on the right side of the frame "C. SHARPS PATENT / JAN. 25, 1859 ". The main variations of the third model of Sharps pistol: model 3A, model 3B, model 3C, 3D model. Serial numbers are scattered throughout the third model and range from 1 to 15.
Gun Sharps Model 3A (Sharps Model 3A)
The Sharps Pistol Model 3A differs from other weapons in the presence on the left side of the frame of a round cap through which a screw passes that acts as a trigger axis. The lock button of the barrel unit is located on the left side of the frame close enough to the axis of the trigger.
Pistol Sharps Model 3B (Sharps Model 3B)
The 3B model has a typical marking in the form of two lines of text on the right side of the frame “C. SHARPS PATENT / JAN. 25, 1859.
At the top of the barrel block is the text "ADDRESS SHARPS & HANKINS, PHILADELPHIA, PENN."
The lock button of the barrel unit is in the same place as the model Model 3A, but there is no round cover on the left side of the frame.
Gun Sharps Model 3C (Sharps Model 3C)
Pistols Sharps 3C models also do not have a round cap on the left side of the frame. In addition, the latch button has shifted slightly towards the muzzle. Accordingly, small changes have been made to the fixing mechanism of the barrel unit. Some researchers argue that there are pistols with an extractor located vertically between the trunks.
Gun Sharps Model 3D (Sharps Model 3D)
Model 3D looks like the previous model, although the photo shows a completely different design of the trigger. Probably the rotary drummer in this model is not installed in the trigger, but in the breech frame.
Another external sign of the Sharps Model 3D is the lack of a transverse screw in front of the frame.
With a Sharps pistol Model 3D, the latch of the barrel unit does not move downwards, as in previous models, but works like a button. In order to unlock the barrel unit, simply press this button.
Marking of pistols The 3D model does not differ from other variations of the third model of the pistol.
Sharps pistols of the fourth model (Sharps Model 4) were also manufactured by Sharps & Hankins. The pistols were fired under the rimfire cartridge of caliber 0.32 but with a long sleeve. The frames of the pistols have a rounded breech contour, the grip cheeks in the lower part are curved and resemble a bird's beak. The grip cheeks are fastened with a screw on the left and a nut installed in the right cheek. For their characteristic appearance, the pistols were named Sharps Bulldog (Sharps "Bull Dog").
Gun Sharps Model 4A (Sharps Model 4A)
In the Sharps Pistol Model 4A, the barrel unit is held by a screw installed in the bottom of the frame. The length of the barrel unit in this model 64 mm.
The lock button of the barrel unit is located on the left side of the frame.
The Sharps Pistol Model 4A, like the other weapon of the fourth model, is marked on the right side of the frame as two lines of text “C. SHARPS PATENT / JAN. 25, 1859”.
The serial numbers of the Model 4A pistols range from 1 to 2000.
Pistol Sharps Model 4B (Sharps Model 4B)
The Sharps pistols of Model 4B do not have a screw at the bottom of the frame. The function of stopping the barrel unit is performed by a transverse stud located in front of the frame.
The length of the barrel unit 64 mm. The cheeks of the handle, as a rule, are wooden, fastened with a screw and a nut.
Rotating hammer is installed in the trigger. The lock button of the barrel unit is located on the left side of the frame.
The trigger is hidden, the so-called "Mexican" type. Aim devices consist of a semicircular front sight and a slot in the breech frame that performs the role of a pillar.
The serial number is marked at the bottom of the receiver unit and is found from 2000 to 10000.
Gun Sharps Model 4C (Sharps Model 4C)
The external distinguishing feature of the Sharps pistol. Model 4C is an elongated block of barrels, the length of which is 76 mm.
The lock button is located on the left side of the frame, to unlock the barrels, the button must be lowered down.
Sharps pistol serial numbers The 4C models range from 10000 to 15000.
Structurally, the gun Model 4C does not cast anything from other models of the gun.
Gun Sharps Model 4D (Sharps Model 4D)
The Sharps Pistol Model 4D has the longest barrel unit among the other weapons of the fourth model.
Sharps pistol barrel length Model 4D is 89 mm. This is probably the only difference between this type of gun.
Pistols Sharps (Sharps) made in England
The British company Tipping & Lawden from Birmingham after the death of Christian Sharps bought the rights to produce the Sharps pistol. Weapon researchers claim that in addition to traditional pistols 0.22 and 0.30 caliber, Tipping & Lawden produced weapons chambered for the European standard 6 mm, 7 mm and even 9 mm.
Pistols made in England, which are found at gun auctions most often have signs of the second model with a straight breech shape and a straight upper cut of the handle cheeks. Many pistols are richly decorated with engravings and have bone handles.
British pistols Sharps (Cased Factory Engraved English Tipping & Lawden / Sharps Patent Four-Shot Pepperbox Pistol) were manufactured from 1874 to 1877. The exact number of pistols fired in Britain is unknown. Their cost, with an engraved frame, in a gun case and a set of accessories, sometimes exceeds $ 6500.
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