The recent discussions of the Model 1859 Sharps carbines made for the Navy without the saddle ring attachments prompted me to show the experts here my Model 1859. I have always considered this to be a carbine that at some time in its life was fitted with a rifle stock. It carries the same double two letter cartouches that my other Model 1859 carries. Its serial number 37828 is lower (earlier) than the 40000 start usually attributed to that early Navy carbine contract and that should rule it out but I am not sure how accurate the 40000 number really is. What may be the most telling is there a plug or what was left of the saddle ring bar in the breech block where the ring bar would have attached. But that plug is so nicely done, could that have been factory done in its rush to provide weapons? The stock matches the condition of the rest the gun perfectly so if it was a replacement rifle stock on a carbine it was done a long time ago. I can guarantee it wasn't done in the last 45 years because that is how long I have owned it. The leather rifle sling was on the gun when I
bought it.
bought it.
Bringing the