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Model 1863 Sharps Carbine (121162)

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Model 1863 Sharps Carbine  (121162)
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This is a mid-production Model 1863 Sharps carbine S/N C,778 about 1864 manufacture in.52 caliber. The rifle has the customary 22 in. barrel on a straight breech design. The left side of the receiver is marked "C. Sharps' Pat. Sept. 12th, 1848", the right side is marked "C. Sharps PAT, Oct. 5th, 1852". The serial number is stamped on the tang as "C,778" appropriate for the 1863 model. A total of 60,000 model '63 carbines were made; starting with S/N 71,235 (reference Sellers, 1978. p. 84). This gun has some unique features that speak of its history. The hammer appears to be original to the gun however, it has been milled out on the back side. This machining does not correspond to any known tape priming mechanism but may be an early attempt to lighten the hammer and deduce lock-time. The sling ring bar is missing the ring. This model has the improved sling-ring bar where the rear screw also secured the lock-plate. Apparently, the Yank issued this carbine found it necessary to disassemble the sling bar and remove the ring to keep it quite. It's possible that he was not cavalry but infantry. The walnut butt-stock is also original to the gun and the metal to wood fit is exceptional. The butt-plate fits beautifully and is relief cut for a patchbox that it never had. The military contracts were rushed to completion where man-power was scarce as most eligible men either volunteered or conscripted to serve. Remaining men were pressed to work 10 hour days and (apparently) many parts left over from the model 1859 were used to complete the model 1863 where the butt-stock also fit the '63 locks but now without the patchbox. The rear sight is a Lawrence model 1859 scaled to 700 yds.; appropriate for this serial number range. The bore of the gun has light minor pitting. The fore-stock is original but has damage in the area of the rear retaining screw. A qualified gunsmith would be needed to replace missing wood in this area to save the originality of the piece. The trigger guard mounted safety works properly. Ordinance Dept. inspector's mark "EAW" (E. A. Williams) is found on the sling bar flat. The gun also exhibits interesting identification worth researching; the number "32" is stamped on the breach at the alignment mark, possibly an assembly number; the letter "H" is stamped on the left side of the butt-stock that may have identified the owner at some point. Condition of this firearm is very good with light patination throughout. This gun is an antique and no attempt has been made to fire this gun to confirm its mechanical integrity. Nor should this gun be fired without the examination by a qualified gunsmith. Any attempt to fire an antique gun is at the risk of the owner and not consistent with the value if the firearm. There may be additional shipping and handling charges. No sales to New York City, New Jersey, California, and Hawaii.

Date: 1863
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