Around 6,000 of these pistols based on Christian Sharps' design were manufactured by Thomas Tipping Lawden and Caleb Lawden operating as Tipping & Lawden in Birmingham, England, c. 1860s-1870s. This pistol has elaborate English scroll engraving covering 95% of the silver-plated brass frame which is marked "TIPPING & LAWDEN/SHARPS' PATENT" in a circle on the left. The barrel group also has scroll and border engraving and stippled grasping sections on the sides. The sights are a nickel-silver post on the top of the barrel group at the muzzles and a groove in the standing breech. The full serial number is on the bottom of the barrels at the muzzle, and the matching partial serial number "37" is on the rotating firing pin, on the plate at on the butt, and on the inside of the scroll pattern embossed hard rubber grips. The case has blue velvet lining, an engraved oiler, screwdriver, cleaning rod, and a sliding compartment with the key inside.
Excellent with 97% plus bright original high polish blue finish, essentially all of the original silver plating which has a natural tarnished appearance, strong original case colors on the hammer, most of the original niter blue on the trigger and barrel release, crisp engraving and markings, and mild handling wear. The grips are fine and have distinct floral patterns, some flaws/warping at the edge at the heels, and mild age related wear. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are also fine and have mild wear from storage including some thin cracks in the case lid. This is easily among the finest Sharps patent derringers extant.
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