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NEW MODEL SHARPS CARBINE METALLIC CONVERSION

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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 .50 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.

This model 1859 carbine is in good condition and exhibits a factory-like overall appearance. The fore end stock is very good, with one small hairline crack on the left side, and appears to have been replaced at the factory during the conversion process. The butt stock is the original civil war period with iron patch box present and a few small rounded bruises in the patch box area. Also, the side sling swivel was never inlayed in the rear stock, indicating that this was a military rifle stock before going through the conversion process. Due to being a rifle butt stock, it originally had a mounted sling swivel inlayed in the wood. That swivel has been removed and plugged with a walnut patch (appears to have been done a long time ago). The upper swivel frame screw hole has been filled with a period screw.

Specimen bears serial # 92,017 and features cartouche stamping EF on the upper stock for Edward Flather (1862-63). He is also noted as working as a civilian inspector at the Sharps factory during the conversion years. The center left side butt stock has the DFC (David F. Clark 1861-86) in a banner stamp. The left side barrel, top of breech block and firing mechanism are stamped with a large block letter F. The front sight has the original iron base with a fine-tuned brass insert. In good overall condition, carbine has a 22” long round barrel and a straight-breech type lock-plate fitted to a walnut stock and for-end.  All frame screws are in very good condition. The top rear tang has a small crack crossing through on both sides of the screw itself. No trace of original colors visible. Frame surface, barrel, lock, band, hammer and all other metals show a pleasing dark plum patina. Manufacturer markings and patent designations are sharp and distinct on the lock. No markings are visible on the barrel which has an original folding rear sight. Serial # 92,007 strongly stamped on the upper plate tang. Carbine exhibits crisp mechanics. Bore, which has the relined three-groove rifling, is strong with some scattered patches of corrosion, especially towards the action. This Sharps carbine conversion Model 1867 is a handsome addition to any military collection of the post-Civil War period. [stp][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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