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Rare Sharps New Mod 1859 Rifle (Hiram Berdan's).

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Rare Sharps New Mod 1859 Rifle (Hiram Berdan's).
Serial # 54391 Top of the barrel is marked "New Model 1859". Standard features include 30" barrel, three barrel bands, military sights, walnut stock, and .52 caliber percussion. Beautiful factory markings on barrel and frame. Excellent original wood is proud to metal, never refinished, with no cracks or chips. Has the metal patchbox on right side and sling swivels. Sports the rare double set triggers. The fore stock has a 3/4" closed crack under side at frame. Strong bore with some very minor corrosion. Perfect action. Case colors are a smooth brown patina. In 1862, 2000 New Model 1859 rifles were issued to Hiram Berdan's 1st and 2nd Regiments of the U.S. Sharpshooters. Authentic examples in the 54374 to 57567 range, they feature double set triggers. This rifle falls perfectly into that range, therefore this rifle is a desirable example used during the Civil War by a specially organized sniping unit of which numerous articles and books have been written. With Springfield Research letter.