Sharps New Model 1863 .52 Caliber Single Shot Carbine, 1863-65 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2525.01
LSB#: 230620TW008
Make: Sharps Rifle Mfg. Co.
Model: Sharps New Model 1863 Carbine
Serial#: C27413
Year of Manufacture: ca. 1863-1865
Caliber: .52 Caliber Paper or Linen Cartridge
Action Type: Single Shot, Lever-Action Falling Block Percussion Rifle
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights/ Optics: There is a fixed base with a fixed metal blade and a folding ladder which presents a V-notch in the down position and when raised presents a fixed V at the top, an aperture, a V-notch slider and a V-notch at the bottom.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are two piece wood featuring a forend secured by a barrel band and retaining screw, a straight wrist, a straight comb and a semi-crescent butt-plate. A sling bar with a saddle ring is also present. The oiled stock has light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. The butt plate retains some of the case color. The LOP is 13.75” from the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition for an antique.
Type of Finish: Case Color and Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with light frosting and mostly sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion at the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 8.5 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: The rifle retains about 31% of its metal finish. The metal shows scratches, scrapes, leading edge thinning, discoloration from patina and receding case color. The lock plate and patch box still show case color. The bottom metal has some bluing remaining. The screwheads are tooled but remain serviceable. The markings are somewhat faded in some areas and faded completely in others. Overall, the rifle is in Very Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: 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,
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Sharps Carbine was a percussion ignition breech-loader that was carried by cavalrymen during the American Civil War. By the end of the four-year conflict the superiority of breech-loaded weaponry had become clear, but the percussion ignition system was showing its obsolescence and new firing mechanisms were developed. Among a number of Civil-War vintage surplus, a number of Sharps Carbines were converted with firing pins and rechambered for several calibers. These conversions were both carried out at Springfield Armory and also done by private companies. This carbine is a New Model 1863 with a patch box and shows some good case color for a rifle that is 160 years old. The bore is quite good for its age, the stock is oiled and has a strong action. This would be a great addition to any collection to a Civil War collection.
-Luke
