Manufactured in the 1860s and 1870s, Tipping & Lawden of Birmingham, England, were one of only two foreign firms licensed by Sharps to manufacture these pistols in Europe and produced around 4,000 of them mixed between several calibers. Since they were designed to be carried, primarily in coat pockets, most surviving examples are well-worn, but this example is high condition and has beautiful engraved English scrollwork, rosettes, and bestial faces on nearly all of the frame, as well as vine and scroll work on the barrels with the very finely stippled/matted background. The barrel group is finished blue and has a brass post front sight. The frame appears to have been left with a bright brass finish after engraving, has a groove for a rear sight, and is marked "TIPPING & LAWDEN/SHARPS PATENT" around the hammer screw on the left. It comes in a highly figured hardwood case with engraved escutcheon and banner, fitted interior, a bore rod, screwdriver, oiler, and four cartridges. This Christian Sharps design was easily one of the most concealable weapons of the period and has also become somewhat of a cultural icon of the era thanks to Hollywood.

Very fine, retains 95% plus of the original blue finish and the brass showing an attractively aged patina, a few scattered minor dings on the brass, and very crisp engraving overall. The replacement grips are fine with a few light handling marks and a few hairline age cracks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some cracking/separation on the lid and seams.