3252

SHARPS MODEL 1853 MILITARY BREECHLOADING CARBINE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,500.00 USD
SHARPS MODEL 1853 MILITARY BREECHLOADING CARBINE.
Cal. 52. S# 14321. Bbl. 21 1/2". w/ brass blade front sight & graduated folding leaf rear sight. Slant breech action w/ Sharps pellet primer system on lockplate. Left side mounted saddle ring & bar. Walnut forearm & straight grip stock. Brass fittings include rectangular lid patch box, buttplate & forearm band. Frequently referred to by collectors as the "John Brown Model", total of approx. 10,500 mfg. 1854-1857. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Dr. Richard J Labowskie letter providing the following information "Sharps carbine Serial # 14321 has been located in the original records of the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company, predecessor to the Sharps Rifle Company. It is listed in their Order Book as Model 1853 Military Carbine, and was invoiced at the Hartford factory on May 31, 1855. / The only description available was that it was 32 Bore, or approximately .52 caliber and had a Service Type finish, i.e., case-hardened receiver and browned barrel. No extra features were noted. / Recipients are not known for Model 1853 Sharps production. This information must have been kept in separate Cash books which have not survived. Large groupings of Carbines, however, were invoiced during May and June of 1855, presumably to the United States Government". CONDITION: metal has faded to light gray brown patina showing dents & marks. Bbl. & lock retain good clear markings. Wood has age darkened worn appearance w/ numerous dents & marks. Forearm has sm. chips around action. Stock is chipped at toe. Bore retains strong rifling showing some light pitting. There is a welded repair to hammer reattaching original head to original shank. (01-19204/DS). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,500.