Sharps New Model 1859 Cavalry Carbine

American Civil War

.52 caliber. 20" round barrel secured by a single spring-retained barrel band. SN: 62002. Blued and color casehardened finish, iron furniture, walnut stock with iron ptachbox and smooth walnut forend. Single shot percussion falling block breechloading carbine. Lock marked in two lines behind the hammer SHARPS' PAT./OCT 5th 1852. Lock additionally marked at the top behind the primer mechanism RS LAWRENCE PAT/APRIL 12th 1859. Reverse of breechblock marked C SHARPS' PAT/SEPT 12th, 1849. Barrel marked NEW MODEL 1859 between the rear sight and the breech, and SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG CO/HARTFORD CONN forward of the rear sight in three lines. Left of wrist with two illegible script cartouches above and below the sling bar. Carbine retains the correct short ladder, RS Lawrence patent marked rear sight, German silver front sight blade in steel base and sling bar and ring. The Sharps Carbine was the most used carbine of the US Civil War but the early delivery New Model 1859 guns can be difficult to find due to the hard service they saw and when they are found they are often well worn. A review of the Springfield Research Service serial number database did not find this gun. The closest examples were #62,071 and #62,090 both issued to the 5th Illinois Cavalry and #61,991 which was issued to the 1st Maryland Potomac Home Guard cavalry battalion. {ANTIQUE}

This lot is located in Cincinnati.