Sharps 1863

[Marvin Holland]

Hello all, I'm just a newby here so please forgive any miscues!

Recently acquired an 1863 Sharps and am trying to find out info on it. I have yet to see it because I had it directly shipped to sister-in-law as a gift for her son. I'm getting ready to go to see it in a week so trying to learn all I can. I have attempted to find out specific info base on its serial number as given to me by seller. Number is 85509. Based on that, it appears to be made 1863-1864. Would that be correct? I have also tried to find that book that lists serial numbers and who it was issued to, if available. Can't find a copy locally (Dallas area) in a library and am reluctant to spend $50-100 to just to check this one rifle. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Marvin

 

[Marvin Holland]

PS, where would the serial number be?

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome From The Heart Of Dixie. When you get it we would love to see photos of it. From the serial # its a new model 1863. The serial # is located behind the breach on the tang. Below are the serial # listed in the SRS keep in mind that if its not listed then its not listed.
85507 C 03 64CO C 6TH ILL VOL CAV
85511 C 64CO D 2ND ILL VOL CAV
85535 C 64CO L 8TH MICH VOL CAV
85566 C 05 64CO K 6TH ILL VOL CAV

 

[Marvin Holland]

Welcome From The Heart Of Dixie. When you get it we would love to see photos of it. From the serial # its a new model 1863. The serial # is located behind the breach on the tang. Below are the serial # listed in the SRS keep in mind that if its not listed then its not listed.
85507 C 03 64CO C 6TH ILL VOL CAV
85511 C 64CO D 2ND ILL VOL CAV
85535 C 64CO L 8TH MICH VOL CAV
85566 C 05 64CO K 6TH ILL VOL CAV
View attachment 315946
View attachment 315947

Awesome, thanks

Welcome From The Heart Of Dixie. When you get it we would love to see photos of it. From the serial # its a new model 1863. The serial # is located behind the breach on the tang. Below are the serial # listed in the SRS keep in mind that if its not listed then its not listed.
85507 C 03 64CO C 6TH ILL VOL CAV
85511 C 64CO D 2ND ILL VOL CAV
85535 C 64CO L 8TH MICH VOL CAV
85566 C 05 64CO K 6TH ILL VOL CAV
View attachment 315946
View attachment 315947

Awesome, thanks! I'm new to this. What is the SRS? Is that part of the book I mentioned? Sorry can't remember its name now. I have the pictures the seller posted before I bought it. I know it is in rough shape, but my nephew is a Civil War collector and not a firearms collector, so condition is not as important to him as is authenticity.

 

[UCVRelics]

Awesome, thanks

Awesome, thanks! I'm new to this. What is the SRS? Is that part of the book I mentioned? Sorry can't remember its name now. I have the pictures the seller posted before I bought it. I know it is in rough shape, but my nephew is a Civil War collector and not a firearms collector, so condition is not as important to him as is authenticity.

The SRS is the Springfield Research Services which is a combined 4 volumn set of books with listing of US Military ordnance records show where certain guns were issued and to what unit.

 

[Deleted User CS]

Welcome from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

 

[Marvin Holland]

Awesome, thanks

Awesome, thanks! I'm new to this. What is the SRS? Is that part of the book I mentioned? Sorry can't remember its name now. I have the pictures the seller posted before I bought it. I know it is in rough shape, but my nephew is a Civil War collector and not a firearms collector, so condition is not as important to him as is authenticity.

 

[Marvin Holland]

Welcome from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Thanks!

 

[Marvin Holland]

This is the book I was referring to. Is the SRS available on line? Never mind, found SRS. Thanks!

 

[WJC]

Welcome1 Nice piece: I'm sure your nephew will be pleased. A little light cleaning and lubrication and it'll look like Johnny just brought it home! Looking forward to your perspective in our discussions! Don't worry about 'miscues': we're all here to learn! Enjoy!

 

[Saint Jude]

Welcome from Oregon!

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome from South Florida and the Reenactors Forum, nice piece

 

[Seduzal]

Welcome to CWT from the Smoky Mountain side of North Carolina. Just jump right in and enjoy.

 

[Story]

Recently acquired an 1863 Sharps and am trying to find out info on it. I have yet to see it because I had it directly shipped to sister-in-law as a gift for her son.

No plans to shoot it?

 

[Marvin Holland]

No plans to shoot it?

Well, it will belong to my nephew, so shooting it would be up to him. BTW, he isn't aware of this yet. It is slated for his birthday on September 15. His mom is keeping it until then so I get to see it!

 

[Marvin Holland]

Welcome1 Nice piece: I'm sure your nephew will be pleased. A little light cleaning and lubrication and it'll look like Johnny just brought it home! Looking forward to your perspective in our discussions! Don't worry about 'miscues': we're all here to learn! Enjoy!

Any recommendations on proper cleaning and lubing. I am familiar with cleaning modern firearms, but don't want to do anything that make it less valuable. I am particularly interested in treatment of the wood. All suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[redbob]

Everyone has their favorite, but I've found that Kramers Best Antique Improver has worked very well for me.

 

[WJC]

Any recommendations on proper cleaning and lubing. I am familiar with cleaning modern firearms, but don't want to do anything that make it less valuable. I am particularly interested in treatment of the wood. All suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your response.
I inherited an affection for Hoppe's #9 and a light oil (it's what I helped my Dad clean his guns with), but more recently I've become a believer in Ballistol. As to wood, I like Kramer's Best.

 

[Marvin Holland]

Well, finally got a chance to see it this past weekend. Not in fine condition, but for its purpose, very acceptable. It appears all original, with the only question being the rear sight. Not sure. Did the carbines have a basically fixed rear, or was the "ladder" ranging sight also used. Sorry, the only pictures were the ones I have previously posted, so I can't show you a good look at it. Dummy me forgot to take a picture of it. I was still was in awe and a little trembling at what this rifle likely saw.

 

[Stone in the wall]

Well, finally got a chance to see it this past weekend. Not in fine condition, but for its purpose, very acceptable. It appears all original, with the only question being the rear sight. Not sure. Did the carbines have a basically fixed rear, or was the "ladder" ranging sight also used. Sorry, the only pictures were the ones I have previously posted, so I can't show you a good look at it. Dummy me forgot to take a picture of it. I was still was in awe and a little trembling at what this rifle likely saw.

Marvin, I did enjoy the pictures you posted. Welcome from "inside of Mosby's Confederacy".