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SCARCE NEW MODEL 1865 SHARPS STILL IN PERCUSSION NEAR FACTORY NEW

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There are no appreciable differences between the NM1863 and NM1865 Sharps other than the stamped model designation by the company, and its occasional absence, which some have speculated was due to worn out or broken old dies, or was a marketing ploy to imply the carbine had some new improvement. Frank Sellers and others estimated that the Sharps company made about 5,000 of the NM1865 carbines, but Marcot notes that few exist in collections. Some were used to complete outstanding wartime Army contracts, but with the cessation of orders, many remained in company storerooms until the Franco-Prussian War when Schuyler, Hartley and Graham purchased 4,780 “linen carbines” from Sharps, many of which were likely NM1865s, and sold them to France. Many came back to the U.S. five years later, 1876, through Herman Boker & Co., who then had them converted for metallic cartridges, the same fate met by many of those included in the last of the Civil War contracts. The result is that this is one rare carbine in truly outstanding condition.

The carbine is complete and all original. The barrel, barrel band, and sights retain almost 100 percent deep blue- we see only a little freckling on the top of the barrel between the sights. The case colors on the receiver, with standard rather than sculpted bridge, and lockplate are vivid. The tang shows as a caramel and the buttplate shows a mix of caramel and mottled, muted case. Screws show lots of blue. The side bar and sling ring are bright with a few spots of brown on base. The markings are crisp: patent marking on the rear sight base, Sharps markings on the lockplate and left receiver, Lawrence patent stamp on the right receiver to rear of the hammer, serial number C,47741 on the tang, along with an L.W. inspection stamp on the barrel at left breech, base of the side ring, and in the comb of the buttstock just forward of the buttplate tang. The wood has a tight fit to the metal, great edges, a warm brown color, and nice surface showing only a few shallow handling marks near the buttplate. As is correct for a carbine that did not go to the army on contract, there are no cartouches. The barrel also omits the model designation stamp between the rear sight and receiver, which is recorded by Marcot along with both a large and small stampings. Serial numbers have been observed running from C,30634 up to C,49540 on these carbines, with the NM1865 rifles starting a bit lower and going a bit higher.

The gun rates near factory new for condition. Excellent-plus might be accurate. “Mint” is somewhat vague and overused in gun descriptions, but fits this one. You won’t be disappointed.  [sr] [ph:L]

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!

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