Sharps Carbine Serial Numbers

[Chuck Russell]

I have a Sharps M1853 slant breech carbine. The stock has two government inspectors' initials. I found that the carbine was for a short period of time issued to an individual in the 1st California Cavalry. In order to check for rust, I carefully removed the screws from the handguard. In the barrel channel was a number that matched the serial number on the receiver. Because I've lost my nerve, I won't take the butt stock off. Does anybody know if the serial number was stamped into the stock where it can't be seen? There is a number on the inside surface of the patch box cover, but not the same as the serial number on the receiver or handguard. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Southron]

In years past I have owned two original Sharps Carbines-however, I do not recall where all the serial numbers were stamped.
One thing I can inform you about is your statement: "There is a number on the inside surface of the patch box cover, but not the same as the serial number on the receiver..."

When the parts come off of the production line at the Sharps factory, they were placed in storage bins. Gunsmiths who were [what I call} the "Semi-Final Assembly" crew would get all the parts required to assemble a single rifle. They would put the parts together and even though the parts were manufactured on the "Interchangeable System," from time to time, there would be some "fitting" of parts required-maybe a bit of filing or whatever.

After the rifle was fully assembled, it would be taken apart, and "Assembly Numbers" [usually three or four digit numbers] would be stamped on the major parts. Then the parts would be sent out for the final finishing and hardening.

This meant that the hammer, lockplate and internal parts such as tumbler, sear, bridle, etc., would be case hardened, while the barrel would be blued and the wood parts of the stock finished with Boiled Linseed Oil.

After all of the parts gone through these processes, the gunsmiths would then use the "Assembly Numbers" to make sure that all of the correct fitting parts were re-assembled into a gun ready to be oiled and put in a shipping crate.

The use of "Assembly Numbers" was a common manufacturing process in certain industries in both the 19th and 20th Centuries.

 

[Southron]

Oh yes, Springfield Research Service might have the serial number of your Sharps "on file" as several gentlemen spent several years in the National Archives digging up the serial numbers of military issue weapons from the Civil War until the Post World War II era.

You can Google up their web address. Be aware that before they will search for your serial number they will charge you and make you buy a subscription to their magazine.

 

[Chuck Russell]

Oh yes, Springfield Research Service might have the serial number of your Sharps "on file" as several gentlemen spent several years in the National Archives digging up the serial numbers of military issue weapons from the Civil War until the Post World War II era.

You can Google up their web address. Be aware that before they will search for your serial number they will charge you and make you buy a subscription to their magazine.

I was lucky enough to find the serial number listed in "Civil War Sharps Carbines and Rifles" by Coates and McAulay. Springfield Research was still "free" when I checked the number on the web site. It was listed as a carbine turned in 2-16-62 Co. C 1st Cal Vol Cav.