The most famous, single-shot, percussion firearm used during the Civil War was the .52 caliber, breechloading carbine invented and patented by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps. In 1867, over 31,000 of the original Sharps carbines and rifles (of all three styles, NM1859, 1863, 1865) were considered obsolete for government service and were sold or converted to a .56 caliber rimfire. Presented here is a Sharps carbine conversion specimen designed to use a rimfire, metallic, self-contained cartridge. Sometimes referred to as the Model 1867, the preliminary testing and conversion process started in February 1865 and continued into the early 1870s with various enhancements and modifications. This carbine most likely was part of the October 26, 1867 contract to Sharp’s Rifle Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut for standard carbine conversions which included a relined bore and a spring-loaded firing pin conversion on the breech block.

Carbine is in very good condition. Two-piece black walnut stock appears to have been replaced at the factory and has no patchbox on the obverse side. Specimen bears serial # 37279 and has no cartouche stamping on stock. Carbine has a 22” long round barrel and a straight-breech type lockplate fitted to the stock and forend. All frame screws are in good condition with just slight buggering. All gunmetal has been cleaned to a dull light gray scheen. Hammer, lockplate, triggerguard, barrel band, butt plate and sling bar have been cleaned. No trace of original colors visible. Manufacturer markings and patent designations are visible but the patent stamp is thin. No stampings visible on the barrel which does have the original folding rear sight. Serial # 37279 strongly stamped unto the upper plate tang. Sling ring and bar tight. Carbine exhibits strong mechanics. Bore, which has the relined three-groove rifling, is bright. This Sharps carbine conversion Model 1867 is a handsome addition to any military collection of the post-Civil War period.

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