Sharps Farmingdale Model 1863 50 Caliber 30″ Falling Block Rifle BP Antique
SOLD FOR: $2025
LSB#: 210421JB17
Make: Shiloh Products Inc.
Model: New Model 1863 Sharps Military Rifle
Serial Number: 1098
Year of Manufacture: Mid-Late 1970s
Caliber: .50 Caliber
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever Operated Falling Block, Breech-Loading, Single-Shot, Percussion Black Powder Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “NEW MODEL 1863” behind the rear sight, the left is marked “50 CAL. USE BLACK POWDER ONLY” under the rear sight, the right is marked “SHILOH PRODUCTS INC.”, and there is a flat on the right of the barrel shank stamped with a wolf’s head mark, partially covered by the forend. The left of the receiver is marked “SHILOH / PRODUCTS INC.”, the top tang is marked “1098”, the right of the receiver is marked “FARMINGDALE / NEW YORK” and “SHILOH / NEW MODEL 1863”.
Barrel Length: 30″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight which presents a “V”-notch when down. When folded up, the ladder sight has a slider with a “V”-notch and the right side is marked from “1” to “8” with another notch on the top of the ladder. The top tang is not drilled for a peep sight. Both screws visible in the top tang go through and thread into the bottom tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a triple-banded and capped forend, straight grip, patchbox on the right of the buttstock, case-colored steel buttplate, sling swivel in the belly and another swivel mounted to the bottom of the middle barrel band. The only notable imperfection is a small compression in the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has very light thinning around the edges. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has one tiny nick just behind the rear barrel band. The receiver, lever and tangs show only light handling marks in their strong case coloring. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The nipple is intact, showing little to no sign of use. The trigger breaks crisply. 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: Included with this rifle is a plethora of paperwork among which there is correspondence between the previous owner and the Sharps factory regarding information about modifications and upgrades. There is also a box containing cartridge papers among other tools and gadgets. Please see photos.
Our Assessment: This is a historical reproduction of a Sharps New Model 1863 Military Rifle made by Shiloh Products Inc. in the 1970s. The Sharps percussion rifles and carbines were used by both Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War, and the action design has been quite successful, used by sportsman and militaries for decades after the Civil War as well as being in use by BPCR and black powder enthusiasts to this day. This percussion rifle has a 30” barrel with a ladder rear sight and is in .50 caliber. The rifle is in about Fine condition with about 97% of its original finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. This rifle can be used for hunting large game such as deer and elk, and for informal target shooting. It should also be of interest to the Shiloh collectors out there being a “Farmer” produced at Shiloh’s Farmingdale NY facility. Please see our photos and good luck!