IAB Marcheno Sharps 1852 .54 Caliber Percussion Single Shot Rifle, MFD 1977
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 210805TS08
Make: IAB Marcheno
Model: Sharps 1852
Serial Number: 21947
Year of Manufacture: 1977 (AC Date Code), ATF Antique
Caliber: .54 Paper Cartridge
Action Type: Single Shot Lever Operated Falling Block Breech Loading Rifle
Markings: The upper tang is marked “21947”. The left side of the barrel is marked with the “AC” date code, two proof marks, and the serial number. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “BLACK POWDER ONLY CAL. 54”. The top of the barrel at the rear is marked “SILE NEW YORK, N.Y.”. The top of the barrel in front of the rear sight is marked “U.S. SHARPS / RIFLE CO. / MERIDEN CONN.”. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “IAB MARCHENO MADE IN ITALY”. The lockplate is marked “C.SHARPS’ PAT / OCT.5TH 1852”, The left of the receiver is marked “C. SHARPS’ PAT. / SEPT. 12th 1848”.
Barrel Length: 28.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade integral to a rectangular base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight screwed to the barrel. There is a “V” notch at the bottom/rear of the ladder’s base for use when the ladder is folded down. When the ladder is folded up, there is a “V” notch at the bottom of the ladder, another at the top edge of the slider and another on the very top edge of the ladder. The right side of the ladder is marked “2” through “7” with an “8” at the top.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, and a case color metal buttplate. The buttstock shows sparse light compressions and little draglines. The front of the forearm has two little scuffs at the front. The checkering is sharp and uninterrupted. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows some scattered minor oxidation and light thinning at the edges. Overall, the stocks rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 97% of its current metal finish. There are some light marks around the muzzle as well as sparsely scattered freckles of oxidation on the front half of the barrel. There are faint scratches on the sides of the receiver. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool-marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. There is a push-button lever lock on the lower tang. The action is tight, and the lever locks up well. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a high quality C. Sharps Patent 1852 Paper Cartridge Percussion .54 Caliber Sporting Rifle manufactured by IAB Marcheno, Italy. This reproduction features walnut buttstock and checkered forearm with satin finish. The blued 54 caliber barrel is 28.5″ long. The front sight is steel base and blade, rear sight is steel with flip-up elevator marked to 800 yards. Please see our photos and good luck!