Referred to as the Sharps & Hankins Second Model 1862 carbine, this weapon is a wartime .52 caliber, rimfire, breechloading firearm designed by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps.  Presented is a good original specimen of that engineering design called the ‘Navy’ type carbine. The weapon has its barrel covered with a black leather sleeve 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, weighs 8 pounds and bears serial # 6229. 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 of the black leather barrel covering is excellent and displays a smooth hard surface. Leather cover is secured via two screws at the barrel breech. Leather still intact and not broken. Leather seam stitching along bottom is tight and strong.

Frame, hammer and operating lever show some original color.  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 gunmetal gray.  Weapon retains the sling swivel on bottom of butt stock. Serial # 6229 is sharp and strongly stamped unto the upper plate tang. Carbine exhibits tight and crisp mechanics. Bore is semi-bright with strong rifling and some minor pitting. This Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 cartridge carbine is an original arm of the Civil War Federal Navy and would enhance any naval display or collection.

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