Sharps 1859 Cavalry Carbine 1867 Cartridge Conversion 50-70 22” Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,351.00
LSB# LSB251102TW004
Make: Sharps Rifle Co.
Model: 1867 Contract Cartridge Conversion
Serial Number: 59434
Year of Manufacture: Circa mid-1800s
Caliber: 50-70
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block
Markings: The tang is marked “59434” The lock plate is marked “Sharps Pat 1852” Most markings have been obliterated
Barrel Length: 22” round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a base fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two piece smooth walnut, straight wrist, straight comb, with a crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. There is extensive oil darkening, scratches and compression dents that have been finished over. There are scattered small chips. There are a couple cracks at the tang. Overall this stock is in Poor condition for a refinish.
Type of Finish: Blued, Color Case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is distinct. There is no visible erosion. There is heavy pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 2/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains none of its original finish. Most of the rifle has been scrubbed or sanded to remove corrosion. There is heavy pitting and sanding marks left. Most of the markings have been removed. Overall, this rifle rates in about Poor condition.
Mechanics: The half cock does not function, which was a common and notable failure of the 1867 military trails. Other than that the action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. Due to the bore condition and non-functional safety we do not recommend firing this.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Sharps 1859 Cavalry Carbine represents a post Civil War era cartridge conversion reflecting the U.S. military’s efforts to modernize percussion arms for metallic cartridges. Originally produced as a percussion breechloader, Sharps carbines saw extensive wartime service before many were altered during the late 1860s to accept the .50-70 Government cartridge. These 1867 contract style conversions occupy an important transitional place in American arms history, bridging the gap between wartime muzzleloading technology and the emerging era of standardized metallic cartridge service rifles.
Chambered in .50-70, the carbine reflects one of the first successful U.S. military centerfire cartridges, developed to deliver substantial stopping power from compact arms issued to mounted troops. The 22 inch round barrel is fitted with a pinned blade front sight on a fixed base, consistent with military configuration. The two piece walnut stock with straight wrist, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate retains the classic Sharps cavalry profile, though it has been refinished and shows extensive oil darkening, compression marks, chips, and cracking at the tangs, all indicative of long service and later alteration.
Condition is heavily worn, with no original finish remaining and much of the exterior scrubbed or sanded in past attempts to address corrosion. Heavy pitting and sanding marks are present throughout, and most original markings have been removed, though the tang serial number and “Sharps Pat 1852” lockplate marking remain discernible. The bore is dark with distinct rifling but exhibits heavy pitting throughout and rates 2 out of 10. Mechanically, the action functions, though the half cock safety is non functional, a known issue documented during the 1867 military trials. Due to the bore condition and safety concerns, firing is not recommended. This Sharps conversion from Sharps Rifle Co. stands as a heavily used but historically significant survivor from the turbulent post war period of U.S. arms development. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
