Known as the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 carbine, this weapon is a wartime .52 caliber, rimfire, breechloading firearm designed by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps.  Presented is a very fine, original specimen of that engineering design called the ‘Navy’ type carbine which had its barrel covered in a black leather covering as rust protection from the sea salt and air. Along with some 6,700 other such Navy carbines produced by the Sharps and Hankins firm in Philadelphia, PA, this carbine was chambered for the No. 56 Sharps & Hankins metallic cartridge.

Fitted with six groove and land rifling, the weapon is 38 5/8” long and weighs about 8 pounds. By tripping the small finger release and operating the lever, the barrel slides forward to accommodate the Sharps rimfire cartridge. Weapon has a 23 5/8” long, leather-covered barrel with no forend, an iron blade front sight and a typical Civil War ‘tangent style’ rear sight graduated to 800 yards with a leaf that pivots at the front and raises forward in an arc. All black leather covering is original and in superb-plus condition. We’ve never seen any better. Leather seam stitching strong.  Frame, hammer and operating lever are cased but no original colors are visible in this shoulder arm.  Right side of the frame exhibits the address “SHARPS  & / HANKINS / PHILADA” in four lines while the left side frame shows the patent “SHARPS / PATENT / 1859”. Stampings are clear.

All lock screws are original and in very good condition. Metal surfaces of the carbine appear a mottled dark gray with slight pinprick rusting at the breech tang. Serial #4716 is sharp and strongly stamped unto the upper plate tang.   Breechblock exhibits minor salt & pepper surface pitting. Carbine exhibits tight and crisp mechanics.  Bore is dusty with slight oxidation but should clean up to bright. This Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 rimfire carbine is a very fine, original arm of the Civil War Federal Navy and would surely enhance any naval display or collection of arms.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.