Sharps New Model 1865 Military Rifle Conversion 50-70 Single Shot Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,725.00
LSB#: LSB260302TW006
Make: Sharps
Model: New Model 1865 Military Cartridge Conversion
Serial Number: C51468
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1860s
Caliber: .50-70 Centerfire
Action Type: Single shot, falling block, centerfire cartridge conversion, black powder rifle.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Sharps Rifle Manufg Co, Hartford Conn/ New Model”. The left side of the receiver is marked “C. Sharps Pat Sept 12, 1848”. The serial number is marked on the upper tang. The sight base is marked “R.S. Lawrence Patented Feb 15, 1858”.
Barrel Length: 30″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade pinned to a base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a Lawrence patent folding ladder style sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, three band, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, with steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 3/4″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has been refinished, possibly changed the buttstock as there is no patchbox common to military Sharps models. There are light sanding marks. There are light scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition for refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, Color Cased
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is defined. There is fairly extensive corrosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its original finish. The bluing is wearing to patina and corrosion staining. There is scattered pitting. There is handling and operational wear. The color case has worn to brown patina with corrosion staining. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are faint. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.
Mechanics: This rifle is in functional condition though due to bore condition we recommend a gunsmith inspection before firing. The hammer holds full and half cock. The trigger breaks cleanly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Sharps New Model 1865 Military Rifle Conversion is a historically significant post-Civil War cartridge conversion chambered in .50-70 Government. Originally produced during the percussion era and later converted for centerfire metallic cartridges, these rifles represent the important transition period from muzzleloading military arms to self-contained cartridge systems in the late 1860s. The rifle retains classic Sharps features including its falling-block action, 30″ barrel, Lawrence patent ladder sight, three-band military stock configuration, and period Sharps Hartford markings, all of which contribute to its strong frontier and military-era appeal.
Condition is Good overall, though the rifle retains only about 10% of its original finish. The remaining blue and case colors have largely faded to brown patina with scattered pitting, corrosion staining, and handling wear throughout. The markings are faint but still discernible, and the lightly tooled screw heads remain serviceable. The walnut stock set has been refinished and may include a replacement buttstock, as the expected military patchbox is absent. The wood shows light sanding marks, scattered scratches, and compression dents, but no cracks or chips, leaving it in Very Good condition for a refinished antique military stock.
The bore is gray with defined rifling but shows fairly extensive corrosion and pitting throughout, rating 5/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the rifle appears functional, with the hammer holding correctly at both full and half cock and the trigger breaking cleanly, though the rifle has not been test fired. Due to the bore condition and the age of the firearm, a qualified gunsmith inspection is recommended before firing. Overall, this is an attractive and historically important Sharps military conversion rifle with strong Civil War-to-frontier transition appeal, offering honest antique character, functional mechanics, and desirable Sharps markings despite its worn finish, refinished stock, and heavily used bore. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF