Sharps New Model 1859 Carbine

Description

The iconic breechloading Sharps carbine was carried throughout the Civil War by many Union and some Confederate cavalry troopers and was the primary cavalry weapon of the war. Originally patented in 1848 by Christian Sharps, the rifle was produced by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut, originally a holding company in which Sharps served as engineer. He left the company in 1855 to form “C. Sharps & Co.”, which manufactured a 4-barreled pepperbox. In 1862 he partnered with William Hankins to form “Sharps & Hankins” in Philadelphia, where they also produced the M1861 Navy rifle and the 1862 carbine.

The carbine offered here was produced by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company, but by this time Sharps himself had nothing to do with its production. It features a blued 21 1/2” barrel of .52 caliber and uses the vertically-dropping straight breech, as opposed to the “slant breech” of earlier models. Lockplate stamped “C. SHARPS’ PAT./OCT. 5TH 1852.”; only faint traces of the R.S. LAWRENCE markings remain. Left side of receiver with saddle bar and ring, stamped “C. SHARPS’ PAT./SEPT. 12TH 1848.”; frame screw on left side missing. Barrel stamped “SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD, CONN.” (worn) and “NEW MODEL 1859” (faint). Oiled walnut stock secured by a single barrel band, with initials “C.H.S.” stamped on the underside just forward of the receiver; patchbox with hinged iron cover in the butt; left side with carved owner’s initials “C.H.”. Overall length 39”. A well-used example in generally good condition with pitting and wear on the metal parts and various dents and handling marks on the stock, with a small piece above the lockplate having been lost long ago. Mechanically very good. No doubt saw considerable action during the Civil War.