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Civil War Sharps New M1863 .52 Percussion Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,300.00 - 2,600.00 USD
Civil War Sharps New M1863 .52 Percussion Rifle
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This lot features a Unaltered Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 .52 Percussion Rifle. One of the most popular and successful of the cavalry carbines was the Sharps breech loader. Capable of firing a grooved bullet in a combustible black powder loaded paper cartridge or single loaded with lead slug with loose powder behind and a percussion cap, the Sharps gained a rapid reputation as a reliable, accurate, powerful and fast firing weapon. Troops armed with single shot muzzle loading muskets were no match for the new breech loaders designed by Christian Sharps. After the Civil War many of these battle proven weapons went to the western frontier. Most of the New Model Sharps rifles and carbines were later converted to fire the standard .50-70 metallic cartridge and reissued for Indian War use. Hence, those in original and unaltered percussion ignition from the Civil War are very scarce and desirable arms on the antique collector market today. This example shows normal Civil War usage, yet retains a faint “NEW MODEL 1863” barrel stamp just ahead of the receiver. It also retains the “A.H.K.” inspector stamp on the rear sling ring bar, “C. SHARPS PATENT” over “SEPT. 12TH 1848” on the left side of the receiver plus the correct lock plate stamping “R. S. LAWRENCE PAT.” over “APRIL 12TH 1859” and “C. SHARPS PAT.” over “OCT. 5TH 1852.” Mostly gray/brown patina metal with correct Lawrence marked ladder rear sight with slide intact (often missing), correct front sight, original forend and butt stock that shows a typical frontier or field repair, lever locking latch along with sling ring and bar intact, tight action and fine rifled bore.