Sharps Model 1868 Cartridge Conversion Carbine 50-70 22″ Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,333.00

LSB#: LSB260511VA010

Make: Sharps

Model:  1868 Cartridge Conversion

Serial Number: 71507

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1863, converted on the 1868 Contract

Caliber: 50-70 Sharps

Action Type: Single shot, falling block, cartridge conversion, rifle.

Barrel Length: 22″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is blade pinned to a base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder style V notch dovetailed to the barrel. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, wire banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and semi crescent iron buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. There is Native American style brass tack artwork on the buttstock. There is heavy handling and use wear throughout. There is chipping and cracking throughout. There is heavy weathering of the finish. Overall this stock is in Fair condition for antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is defined. There is heavy pitting and erosion. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 2/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The metal has worn to brown patina with corrosion staining. There is moderate pitting throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are faint. Overall this rifle is in Poor to Fair condition as antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly but due to the condition and age we do not recommend firing. 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: None 

Our Assessment: The Sharps Model 1868 Cartridge Conversion Carbine is a historic transitional military arm that bridges the gap between the percussion era and the age of metallic cartridges. Built from Civil War-era percussion carbines and converted under the 1868 government contract, this example is chambered in .50-70 Sharps and features a 22″ barrel, falling-block action, ladder rear sight, and walnut carbine stock with iron furniture. The Native American-style brass tack decoration on the buttstock adds distinctive period character and reflects the long service lives many of these carbines experienced on the American frontier.

Following the Civil War, thousands of percussion Sharps carbines were converted to fire self-contained metallic cartridges rather than being replaced outright. The 1868 conversions retained the strong and reliable Sharps falling-block action while adapting it to the powerful .50-70 Government-era cartridge, extending the service life of these carbines during the westward expansion of the United States. Many saw continued military and civilian use, and surviving examples frequently display evidence of frontier use, field repairs, and period personalization, making them important artifacts of America’s post-Civil War frontier.

This carbine retains virtually none of its original finish, with the metal worn to a brown patina showing moderate pitting, corrosion staining, and faint markings. The walnut stock rates in Fair antique condition due to heavy handling wear, weathering, cracks, and chipping, while the dark bore has defined rifling but severe erosion and pitting, earning a 2/10 rating. Although the action functions correctly, the rifle’s overall condition and bore deterioration make it best suited for collection and display rather than shooting. Overall, this is a Poor to Fair antique Sharps conversion carbine with significant historical appeal and distinctive frontier character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF