This is one of the early Model 1859 Sharps Carbine manufactured in 1861. It is a .52 caliber percussion breechloader with the Sharps pellet priming system. Markings include MODEL 1859 designation on top of the barrel near the breech. Also on the barrel are SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO / HARTFORD, CONN. On the left side of the receiver is stamped SHARPS PAT. / SEPT 12 1848. On the center of the lock is SHARPS PAT. / OCT 5^th 1852 and up near the pellet primer is S. LAWRENCE PAT. / APRIL 12^th 1859. The rear sight also has the Lawrence markings. H. CONANT PATENT / APRIL 1, 1856 and also appears on the back of the breechblock. Serial number is located on the tang. Stocks are walnut with inspectors marks on the left side of the wrist. Finish is blue barrel and casehardening on the receiver, breechblock, lock, lever and trigger plate. Furniture is made of Iron. Total production of Model 1859 carbines with iron furniture was approximately 30,000 starting around serial number 33000. The Navy contact was for 30,000 carbines without the saddle ring and the bar. The range is from 40,000 to 44,000.

Offered is one of the carbines used by the navy. All metal parts have a matching dark brown patina with dark age spots and light pitting. Traces of original blue finish is found on the barrel and breech block. All markings are legible. Stock shows very little wear but has no cartouches. Action is tight. Bore is semi-bright, has very good rifling with some areas of pitting.

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