Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Navy .52 Rimfire Single Shot Rifle, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1713
LSB#: 211229DR01
Make: Sharps & Hankins
Model: 1862 Navy
Serial Number: 12354
Year of Manufacture: 1862-1865
Caliber: .52 Rimfire
Action Type: Lever Actuated Barrel-Sliding Breech Loading Single Shot Rifle
Markings: The upper tang, barrel lug, bottom of the lever, and lever stopping piece are marked with the serial number “12354”. The left side of the receiver is marked “SHARPS / PATENT / 1859”. The right side of the receiver is marked “SHARPS / & / HANKINS / PHILADA.”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade slotted in a rectangular base that is banded and set screwed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a Sharps patent 1861 rear sight which is a V-notch piece that pins into a slotted elevator base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is smooth wood with a straight grip, straight grip, sling swivel in the belly, and a brass buttplate. The wood appears to have been refinished at some point. The wood shows some darkened scattered nicks, compressions, draglines, and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. The length of pull measures approximately 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which has lost its finish entirely. The wood rates in about Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Nickel & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is erosion in the grooves with some pitting nearer the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered surface erosion and thinning on the leading edges of the receiver. The hammer and upper tang show a mottled dark patina. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marks with strong slots. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel locks up with no perceivable play. The gun is equipped with a sliding pin safety that blocks the hammer. 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: Installed on the barrel is an original black leather barrel sleeve. The stitching is coming undone on the bottom near the receiver and mid barrel. There is also finish loss in those areas. The majority of the stitching is intact. The sleeve rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Our Assessment: The Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Carbine was a sliding breech action carbine made by Sharps & Hankins Co. in the 1860s and designed by Christian Sharps. The gun is a rimfire .52 caliber and was made in Philadelphia in a quantity of about 8,000. This firearm was patented on July 9, 1861 by Christian Sharps. The Navy version had a 24 inch barrel with a leather cover to protect the barrel from salt water, as seen here. It is rare to find these rifles with barrel covers that are in decent condition, as it is believed that these saw extensive use aboard various ships. This rifle has a sleeve that rates in about very good condition with most of its stitching intact and much of its black finish remaining. The rifle itself is in about Fine condition with a solid mechanics and a respectable bore. This is a fine specimen to add to any Civil War era rifle condition. Please see our photos and good luck!