Sharps New Model 1859 .50-70 Govt 1868 Conversion Single-Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,707.87
WOA#: WY240126MC020
Make: US Government converted Sharps Rifle Mfg. Co.
Model: Centerfire Conversion New Model 1859 Sharps Carbine
Serial#: 46332
Year of Manufacture: The rifle was originally manufactured between 1859 and 1863. It was converted to cartridge use in 1869., Antique
Caliber: .50-70 Government
Action Type: Single Shot Lever Operated Falling Block Breach Loading Rifle
Markings: The top of the rear sight is marked “R. S. LAWRENCE / PATENTED / FEB. 15TH 1859”.The left side of the frame is marked with a faded stamp “C. SHARPS’ PAT. / SEPT. 12TH 1848”. The top-tang is marked with the serial number “46322”. The receiver lever pin is marked “S”. The right side of the frame is marked “R.S. LAWRENCE PAT / APRIL 12TH 1859” above the hammer and “C. SHARPS’ PAT / OCT. 5TH 1852.” There is a faded cartouche on the comb.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a brass blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight is a ladder which presents a “V’-notch in the down position. When raised the ladder has a “V”-notch integral to the top of the ladder. When raised, the rear sight presents an integral “V”-notch at the top, a “V”-notch slider and is marked 2-8, inclusive. The rear sight is a bit loose to its housing.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood featuring a forend that is secured with a screw and mounted with a barrel band secured by a spring, a straight wrist, a sling bar with fixed saddle ring, a straight comb and a metal butt-plate. The stocks have scattered light-moderate handling marks, compressions, dings and nicks. There is a small chip in the right side of the comb. There are no cracks. Also, there is a notable ding on the left side of the forend behind the barrel band. The LOP is 13.75” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition for Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Possibly Refinished, It was standard to refurbish to some degree these at the time of conversion
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with defined rifling. There is scattered light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10 for Antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: The carbine retains about 20% of its metal finish. The majority of the case coloring has faded but the bluing on the rifle is still somewhat intact in certain protected areas. The gun is coated in scattered light surface oxidation. There are scattered patches of finish loss, light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Most of the rifle has gone to patina. The markings that are mentioned are clear and legible. The screwheads have light tool-marks and remain serviceable. Overall, the carbine is in Very Good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this carbine. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Sharps New Model rifles and carbines were made in three models: 1859, 1863 and 1865. From Flayderman’s, over 100,000 of the 1859 and 1863 models were purchased by the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War. The Sharps carbine was the most significantly utilized carbine of the Civil War: it was a single shot percussion breechloader using paper cartridge and revolutionized hand weaponry at the time. After the war, a little over 31,000 carbines were converted to fire centerfire ammunition. Some used the original .52 caliber barrels, and those that had worn barrels were relined and chambered for .50-70 C.F. This is one of the M1859 carbines that was relined and converted to cartridge use as a Model 1869. This carbine is in about Good overall condition with a decent amount of its current finish remaining. The action is tight and functions correctly, and the bore is mostly bright with moderate wear in the rifling.. The sling bar is present, along with its saddle ring. The Sharps rifles and carbines represent a great period in the history of American firearms – they participated in the last great war in which percussion rifles were used, and their post-war conversions were among the first rifles to use metallic cartridges. These rifles are highly collected, primarily because there are so few still remaining. This M1869 cartridge conversion will be a nice addition to any collection of Civil War or early cartridge firearms .Good luck on your bid! – L.S.
