Shiloh Sharps Farmingdale New Model 1863 Infantry .54 Cal Percussion Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2600
LSB#: 230329KK032
Make: Shiloh Products Inc. (Farmingdale, New York)
Model: New Model 1863 Military Rifle
Serial Number: 5540
Year of Manufacture: 1976-1983, ATF Antique
Caliber: .54
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated Falling Block Percussion Rifle
Barrel Length: 30”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade set atop a fixed base. The rear sight is “V” notch sight that flips up to become a ladder sight with a “V” notch slider.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece hardwood with a straight comb, nose cap, three barrel bands, two sling loops, patch box and metal butt plate. The wood shows handling and storage marks. There are scratches and compression marks on the underside butt stock and more prominently on the left wrist area. The forend of the stock shows scratches and wood compressions. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a small amount of erosion in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The metal shows light freckled surface oxidation at the muzzle, and near the receiver. There is scratching on the bottom metal. The receiver finish and bottom metal shows infrequent discoloration from cleaned surface oxidation. The action shows minimal wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle features a half-cock safety. A lever safety block is present that when pushed forward, blocks the lever from being manipulated. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The 1863 Sharps Rifle is a breech-loading rifle that was widely used during the American Civil War. It was manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company and was known for its accuracy and reliability. The rifle used paper or linen cartridges that contained a bullet and powder charge, and the breech mechanism was operated by a lever which allowed the breech to open and another cartridge to be loaded. The front sight could be used as a bayonet mounting lug. The Sharps line of rifles were also used by buffalo hunters and other frontiersmen after the Civil War.
This example is a modern Shiloh Sharps “New Model” 1863 chambered for .54 caliber. The rifle was make in Farmingdale, New York before the Shiloh company moved to Montana. This gun features a nicely blued 30” barrel, case hardened receiver, patch box and full length stock with sling loops. Overall, this is a very impressive looking infantry rifle. Being that Shiloh Sharps are very collectible and with a long waiting line, why not skip the wait and pick this one up today?
-Luke
