Civil War Period New Model 1863 Sharps Carbine

Civil War Period New Model 1863 Sharps Carbine – Introduced in July of 1863, the Sharps New Model carbine no longer retained a patch box and utilized a larger clean-out screw, than the previous models. These .52 cal. Sharps carbines were one of the most popular weapons issued to Federal mounted troops; these weapons were produced from 1863 to 1865. Those produced in the serial number range of 71,000 to C49,000 (149,000) were war period production carbines. The serial number of this carbine is “C,1801” or 101,801 thereby placing this gun as a wartime product, produced in 1864. The gun remains in overall very good condition; the oiled walnut stock remains in good condition; the rear, ladder style sight remains in place, as does the barrel band affixing the fore stock to the barrel – there appears to have been a small, minor, well-executed repair to one area of the fore stock, near the receiver area; the metal elements exhibit a pleasing, plum gray color, with some areas of original bluing and casehardening visible. The bore is clean and retains substantial amounts of rifling. The saddle ring and bar are in place; the firing action and function of the carbine are both excellent. The usual maker markings are clearly visible – behind the hammer: R.S. LAWRENCE PAT. / APRIL 12^TH 1859; on the lock plate: C. SHARPS / OCT. 5^TH 1852; on the left receiver: SHARPS PAT/ SEPT 12^TH 1848; on the top of the barrel in front of the breech: NEW MODEL 1863; in front of the rear sight: SHARPS’ RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./ HARTFORD CONN.; on the rear sight base: R.S. LAWRENCE/PATENTED/SEPT. 15^TH 1859. Overall, this is an excellent example of a wartime used Sharps carbine.