Sharps model 1855 Carbine

[Bugattimiller]

I have just acquired a Sharps model 1855 carbine, serial number 21062 (barrel and tang matching numbers). It dosen't have any British proof marks, however it is .577 calibre, has a British type leaf rear sight, brass patchbox, butt plate and brass barrel band. Barrel measure 19 inches from breach to barrel end. Maynard patent marking on the door and Sharps patent on the tang (no proof marks here), no markings on the barrel. I think this is an american used carbine but does differ (shorter barrel, British type sight), from the generally recognised american models. Any thoughts or views would be appreciated. There are no cartouches that I can see. I will try and post some detailed photos tomorrow.

 

[UCVRelics]

Sounds like an interesting Sharps. Looking forward to seeing it.

 

[Trooper "D"]

I have just acquired a Sharps model 1855 carbine, serial number 21062 (barrel and tang matching numbers). It dosen't have any British proof marks, however it is .577 calibre, has a British type leaf rear sight, brass patchbox, butt plate and brass barrel band. Barrel measure 19 inches from breach to barrel end. Maynard patent marking on the door and Sharps patent on the tang (no proof marks here), no markings on the barrel. I think this is an american used carbine but does differ (shorter barrel, British type sight), from the generally recognised american models. Any thoughts or views would be appreciated. There are no cartouches that I can see. I will try and post some detailed photos tomorrow.

.577 cal is new to me for a Sharps. Love to see some pics. Thanks for posting about your acquisition.
Cheers!

 

[UCVRelics]

.577 cal is new to me for a Sharps. Love to see some pics. Thanks for posting about your acquisition.
Cheers!

It was part of the British contract of 1857.

 

[Bugattimiller]

Photographs as promised, please let me know if you want any specific shots, pardon the pun. I measured the bore at the end of the barrel, it is actually a little less than .577 but well over .54. I'm assuming this is about correct to throw a .577 bullet down a rifled bore? Condition is really good, everything very tight. I love the pre-war firearms, there is always the faint hope it may have gone south, guess I'll never know.

 

[UCVRelics]

VERY Nice Sharps. If you don't see the British proof mark under the barrel band, then its part of the surplus sold to the US Army. The serial falls in that range.

 

[Trooper "D"]

Photographs as promised, please let me know if you want any specific shots, pardon the pun. I measured the bore at the end of the barrel, it is actually a little less than .577 but well over .54. I'm assuming this is about correct to throw a .577 bullet down a rifled bore? Condition is really good, everything very tight. I love the pre-war firearms, there is always the faint hope it may have gone south, guess I'll never know.

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Thanks.

 

[Bugattimiller]

VERY Nice Sharps. If you don't see the British proof mark under the barrel band, then its part of the surplus sold to the US Army. The serial falls in that range.
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Very many thanks indeed for the information. I have removed the brass barrel band and there are no markings under there. Also removed the fore stock which reveals the serial number, interestingly the 0 has been stamped on its side. I have attached photos. All the knowledge is out there and people on this sight have a great deal of it. Thank you once again.

 

[Trooper "D"]

I have just acquired a Sharps model 1855 carbine, serial number 21062 (barrel and tang matching numbers). It dosen't have any British proof marks, however it is .577 calibre, has a British type leaf rear sight, brass patchbox, butt plate and brass barrel band. Barrel measure 19 inches from breach to barrel end. Maynard patent marking on the door and Sharps patent on the tang (no proof marks here), no markings on the barrel. I think this is an american used carbine but does differ (shorter barrel, British type sight), from the generally recognised american models. Any thoughts or views would be appreciated. There are no cartouches that I can see. I will try and post some detailed photos tomorrow.

That carbine must have kicked like mule.