1863 Sharps Cavalry Carbine 50-70 Govt Conversion Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,566.00
LSB#: LSB260708WC020
Make: Sharps Rifle Co, Hartford, Conn
Model: 1863 Sharps Cavalry Carbine Cartridge Conversion
Serial Number: 86423
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1863-1865
Caliber: .50-70 Govt
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated, Falling Block Action, Cartridge Conversion
Barrel Length: 22″ re-lined three groove.
Markings: The stock is marked “DFC” for David F. Clark. The markings are hard to read and what is legible is “C.SHARPS PAT SEPT. 12TH 1848”, “86423”, “R.S. LAWRENCE PAT. APRIL”, and “SHARPS PAT OCT TH 1852”. The top of the barrel is marked “NEW MODEL”. The barrel under the forend “86423 4 1”. The cam operated firing block is marked “F”. The butt plate is marked “W”. The left side of the barrel “F E”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade pinned into a base soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding V notch ladder sight screwed and dovetailed to the barrel with markings from 4-8.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth steel butt plate. The wood shows scratches, nicks, compressions and discoloration. There are several small chips in the wood where the wood meets metal. The wood shows several areas of open grain but this writer saw no structural cracks. There is a chip forming on the leading edge of the comb. The metal butt plate shows finish loss, rust and patina. Overall the furniture is in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Colored.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is erosion and some pitting. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 38% of its metal finish. The rifle shows discoloration, scattered finish loss, finish thinning and rust freckling mainly on the barrel. The upper tang is cracked at the forward screw. The screw heads show tool marks. As stated above the markings range from very faint to clear. Overall this rifle is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action and trigger function correctly. The action is smooth. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Sharps 1863 Cavalry Carbine is a Civil War-era military carbine that has been subsequently converted to .50-70 Government centerfire. The original Sharps design is a single-shot falling-block arm, and this example retains the characteristic action with a 22-inch three-groove barrel that has been relined. It is fitted with the later camming-style firing block, a version distinguished from the earlier spring-loaded block used on other Sharps arms. A ladder rear sight completes the military-style configuration, while the .50-70 conversion reflects the post-Civil War adaptation of the original percussion carbine to metallic-cartridge use.
The straight-hand stock is marked with the “DFC” stamp associated with David F. Clark, adding an interesting historical detail to this already significant Civil War arm. The relined three-groove barrel preserves the characteristic rifling configuration while reflecting the later conversion work performed on the carbine. The combination of an original Civil War Sharps 1863 Cavalry Carbine, later .50-70 conversion, camming firing block, ladder sight, and DFC-marked stock makes this an especially interesting example of a Civil War era rifle that continued in use after the war through conversion to metallic cartridges. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.