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Scarce Navy Contract Sharps Cartridge Conversion New Model 1859 Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
Scarce Navy Contract Sharps Cartridge Conversion New Model 1859 Carbine
The Navy purchased a small quantity of Sharps New Model 1859 carbines. The major characteristic of these carbines was that they were not fitted with the saddle ring bar and ring, and were found in the serial number range of 40,000 to 44,000. The carbines were the cartridge conversion 50-70 caliber and were deemed unsuitable for Cavalry use in 1871 by Captain William R. Shoemaker, Commanding Officer at Fort Union Arsenal. (Correspondence dated January 17, 1871 confirmed he had 190 carbines on hand). See page 43 of "Civil War Sharps Carbines & Rifles" by Coates & McAulay. This is believed to be one of those carbines, which were eventually sent to Marine squads in Mississippi. This carbine is made without a saddle ring bar and ring and the stock is fitted with a patch box. Behind the rear sight is marked "NEW MODEL 1859" (faint) and the breech end is marked with a "C" and "3". The left rear flat is also marked with the number "3". The barrel is equipped with a blade front sight and a Lawrence Patent marked rear sight graduated to 800 meters. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two line sharps patent marking and the letter "F", the lock is marked with the Lawrence and Sharps patent markings and the serial number is marked on the upper tang. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a sling swivel and carbine buttplate.
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 50-70
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 41667
Condition: Period arsenal refurbished with a smooth mottled brown patina on the barrel and a smooth mottled gray patina on the remaining metal surfaces. The wood remains very good with a minor crack in the buttstock and overall some minor dings and dents. Unless noted above, the markings are readable. Mechanically excellent.