Sharps 1859 new model conversion

[Arky 1]

I have been reading a lot about these conversions but I am no expert came across a article about a Sharps new model 1863 conversion at the NRA museum it states these conversion were either 52-70 rim fire or 50-70 center fire both were produced so my question is how do you tell which one you have? her is the insert from the article.

In 1867, the government decided to modify many of their percussion arms to cartridge breechloaders. This example was altered under government contract by the Sharps Company to fire metallic cartridges. Conversion of Sharps New Model 1859, 1863, and 1865 were included in this contract. Over 30,000 carbines and 1,000 rifles were modified to accept either .52-70 rimfire or .50-70 centerfire cartridges. Some of these arms retained their original six-groove rifling, while the bores of others were re-lined with three-grooove rifling. New buttstocks without cartridge boxes were used in all cases where replacement was required, regardless of the original configuration. SN 76171

 

[JOHN42768]

I believe what they are stating indicated approx. 4000 out of about 31000 of which all were original .52 percussion were converted to center fire metallic cartridges .50-70 govt. It was realized that these worn barrels were not accurate with the .515 dia. bullet of the .50-70. After more inspecting, the ruling came down any barrel measured .5224 or over had to be relined. Springfield Armory used a 3 groove liner for the .50-70 govt.. So yes there are original 6 groove barrels that were converted for metallic cartridge, but there were no .52-70 govt cartridges made. In the conversion process any stock in bad condition was replaced with a new one that had no patch box. The converted Carbines were stamped DFC inspector David F. Clark in a banner cartouche on side of stock. You would need to get the bore measured if you can't make out the rifling. Out of the original barrel 4000 the first 1900 had a spring return firing pin. The spring firing pin was quickly replaced with a cam operated as it proved to not work properly.