The most famous, single-shot, percussion firearm used during the Civil War was the Sharps carbine, a .52 caliber, breechloading firearm invented and patented by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps. Presented here is a very fine specimen of the New Model 1863 Sharps carbine that features serial # C,8104 and is identified to Private John M. Osburn (Osborn on some records).

Carbine has a 22” long round barrel and a “straight-breech” type receiver fitted to its walnut shoulder stock and fore stock. Lightly worn barrel address, “SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG CO. / HARTFORD, CONN” in front of rear sight. Rear, flip-up sight, is complete with clear “Lawrence” markings.  “NEW MODEL 1863” stamped to rear of sight.  Bore is clean and clear with good rifling.  Maker markings and patent designations on the lock plate are sharp and distinct. Patent stamp on left side of receiver is well worn. Serial number strongly stamped unto the upper receiver tang. Breechblock operates smoothly, if not slightly loose. Hammer/trigger mechanics are crisp. Lawrence priming mechanism is complete. Iron bar is tight and retains its iron ring.

Gun metal has been cleaned and is overall semi-bright and in good condition. Many parts have small sub-inspector stamps.

All wood is good with deep, rich color. No cartouches remain due to honest use. Original use and saddle wear is evident in many places. On the right side of the butt stock is clearly carved, “J.M. OSBURN, Co. D, 17 ILL CAV”.

John M. Osburn was born in 1838 at Bloomfield, Indiana. He enlisted in Company E, 20^th Illinois Infantry on April 22, 1861. Osburn was present at Fort Henry and Shiloh but was discharged for disability on October 21, 1862. He must have had some sort of recovery as he re-enlisted on November 8, 1863 into Company D, 17^th Illinois Cavalry. Other than service in Missouri and Kansas, the regiment was assigned to escort the US Commissioners to “the Great Council” to meet with Indians at Fort Smith in September 1865. He was discharged from the cavalry at Fort Leavenworth on December 20, 1865. John M. Osburn died in 1912.

Carbine comes with military and pension records as well as reprint unit history and copies of related history.

This New Model 1863 Sharps carbine is a very good identified example of a favorite Civil War cavalry weapon.  [jet] [ph:L]

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