Model 1859 Sharps Breech-loading Rifle

tmh10

Major
Joined
Mar 2, 2012
Location
Pipestem,WV
Carbine was manufactured by Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co., Hartford, Connecticut, serial numbers for the "New Model 1859" generally run 30,000 to 75,000, some overlap with other models, early production about 3,000 manufactured with brass furniture. The Sharps carbine was the most significantly utilized carbine of the Civil War, it was a single shot percussion breechloader using paper cartridge and and revolutionized hand weaponry. The Model 1859 began the new "straight breech" series of models, early production had brass buttplate, brass patchbox, iron loading lever serves as a trigger guard, one brass band, percussion nipple was designed to utilize a tape primer system that did not work very well and was usually disabled, but conventional cap served effectively, hinged Sharps sight, saddle bar and riding ring on left side, rifling with six lands and grooves. Mark on top of barrel, "NEW MODEL 1859.". Mark on sight, "R.S. LAWRENCE / PATENTED / FEB. 15TH 1859.". Mark forward of sight, "SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO. / HARTFORD CONN." Notches on top of barrel and receiver for alignment. Mark on lock near center: "C. SHARPS' PAT. / OCT. 5TH 1852." Mark upper lock: "R. S. LAWRENCE' PAT. / APRIL 12TH 1859." Mark left side of receiver: "C. SHARPS' PAT. / SEPT. 12TH 1848. Serial number on rear breech. Cartouches on wood on left side beneath the saddle bar indicate government inspection. Barrel length 22in.
Ref: Flayderman 5F-019, (brass patchbox, brass band).

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