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Civil War Sharps New Mod 1859 Saddle Ring Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,700.00 USD
Civil War Sharps New Mod 1859 Saddle Ring Carbine
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Available in this lot for auction is an unaltered, very early Civil War Sharps New Model 1859 .52 Caliber Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine, serial number 59966. One of the most popular and successful of the cavalry carbines was the Sharps breech loader. Capable of firing a grooved bullet in a combustible black powder loaded paper cartridge or single loaded with lead slug with loose powder behind and ignited by a percussion cap, the Sharps gained a rapid reputation as a reliable, accurate, powerful and fast firing weapon. Troops armed with single shot muzzle loading muskets were no match for the new breech loaders designed by Christian Sharps. After the Civil War many of these battle proven weapons went to the western frontier. Most of the New Model Sharps rifles and carbines were later converted to fire the standard .50-70 metallic cartridge and reissued for Indian War use. Hence, those in original and unaltered percussion ignition from the Civil War are very scarce and desirable arms on the antique collector market today. This example shows heavy Civil War usage, yet retains a clear readable “NEW MODEL 1859” barrel stamp just ahead of the receiver along with Sharps markings ahead of the rear sight on the barrel top. It also retains the correct marking “C. SHARPS PATENT” over “SEPT. 12TH 1848” on the left side of the receiver. The lock plate on the right side of the receiver retains both the Lawrence 1859 patent markings plus the C. Sharps 1852 patent markings. This “attic condition” carbine displays a very deep aged patina on all metal parts that has never been cleaned or restored. The original forend and butt stock show sling ring and saddle wear, yet are in fine condition with tight wood to metal fit and showing none of the usual chips, cracks or repairs in the stock by the lock plate, receiver upper tang or trigger guard tang. Retains the original sling ring and bar and still has a tight action. Increasing the desirability of this Sharps is that it is an early example that was originally made with a steel patchbox in the stock. When stocks were broken and replaced, the patchbox was omitted. It is rare to find an example with the original stock and patchbox intact. This is one of the most historically significant of the great Civil War carbines and is a scarce example of a very early low serial numbered Sharps that saw hard fighting and service through the Civil War from beginning to end. Much more scarce and desirable than the later New Model 1863 marked specimens that are usually encountered on the collector market today. The carbine qualifies as an Antique Long Gun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: 59966.