LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

72045

A Sharps Carbine, Private William A. Keyes, 'Mos

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
A Sharps Carbine, Private William A. Keyes, 'Mos
<B>A Sharps Carbine, Private William A. Keyes, 'Mosby's Rangers'</B></I> This Model 1852 Sharps .52 caliber percussion breechloader was carried by Private William A. Keyes of the famous Mosby's Partisan Rangers during the Civil War. Keyes was one of Mosby's original men and took part in the B&O Railroad 'Greenback Raid' on October 14, 1864 when Mosby and his men, including Keyes, liberated $168,000 in US greenbacks with each of the participants taking $2,000 each, while famously burning Union General Philip Sheridan's train. The raiders generally created havoc for the Union Army, effectively causing such diversion of Union resources that Mosby and his men like Keyes are generally credited for extending the war.<BR> This Sharps cavalry carbine gives evidence of its use by Private Keyes. There is an even, rich patina of the 21 1/2" barrel and many indentations of the wood at the forearm and buttstock. The 'Sharp's Patent 1852' is marked clearly at the lockplate with the serial number of 12726 below the 'Sharps Patent 1848' at the tang. Atop the barrel is the 'Sharps Rifle Manufg. Co. Hartford, Conn.' clearly stamped.<BR> This Sharps carbine of Private William A Keyes is an historic and important weapon from the Mosby's Ranger unit in the Civil War.<BR><BR> <B>Provenance:</B></I> <I>The Tharpe Collection of American Military History</B></I><BR> <BR><B>Exhibited:</B></I> <I>The Liberty Heritage Society Museum</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Bats, Clubs, Sticks, Swords, Rif (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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