Description
This is a very nice overall combat used weapon in unmolested condition. This graceful weapon is a Civil War Model 1859 Sharps rifle as made by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, circa 1859 to 1862. The single trigger, straight-breech model longarm is the seldom seen on the collector market and this one is near the very last of the production run, having been replaced by the Model 1863.
This .52 caliber rifle’s serial # 40362 is located to the rear of the top tang on the action assembly. The weapon measures 47” long overall and features a 30” long round barrel mated to a black walnut stock and has an iron hinged patch box. The barrel is stamped “SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO / HARTFORD CONN” in front of the ‘R. S. Lawrence’ folding rear sight. Behind the sight is marked “NEW MODEL 1859”. All patent stampings on the receiver are strong and clear. Barrel bore is semi-bright with strong six-groove rifling. The barrel is equipped for the saber bayonet and has the bayonet lug under the barrel. The stock has a full forend that is secured to the barrel with three iron barrel bands. The oiled walnut stock appears not to have been cleaned. The wood surface is excellent and displays few dings or dents. All gunmetal presents a pleasing, smooth gray brown patina overall with mottled gray / brown on the breech and frame. The action is tight and crisp.
