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Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 .52 Cal Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,600.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,750.00 USD
Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 .52 Cal Carbine
For your consideration is an unaltered very early Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 .52 Caliber Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine, serial number 96967. 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 with automatic paper cap 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 with their original owners to the western frontier where they were used for general self-protection, big game and buffalo hunting . 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 Civil War usage, yet remains in a remarkable state of preservation overall. The barrel retains fine original blue that is naturally thinning and mixing with a desirable plum patina. A clear readable “NEW MODEL 1863” barrel stamp just ahead of the receiver along with Sharps markings ahead of the rear sight on the barrel top. The barrel is fitted with its original “R. S. LAWRENCE, PATENTED FEB. 15TH 1859” marked ladder rear sight with slide intact. It also retains the correct marking “C. SHARPS PATENT” over “SEPT. 12TH 1848” on the left side of the receiver. The left side barrel flat just ahead of the receiver also retains the sharp “E.A.W.” tiny inspector stamping. . 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 wonderful condition carbine displays a lovely mottled gray/brown patina on the receiver and even retains traces of original case color under the hammer and in the most protected areas. All metal parts show that they have never been cleaned or restored. The forend and butt stock show only light wear and retain a tight wood to metal fit. The sling ring and bar are intact. Some screws and the rotating breech block removal pin on the right side of the receiver still retain some fire blue. Even the bore on this fine carbine is bright and excellent with sharp rifling throughout. This is one of the most historically significant of the great Civil War carbines and is a scarce example of a low serial numbered Sharps that saw hard fighting and service through the Civil War. This remarkably high condition example is worthy of the finest Civil War, Sharps or Old West collection. It recently came out of an estate here in Montana. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.