Sharps New Model 1863 Percussion Carbine

This is a good solid example of a Civil War issued Union Cavalry Carbine in the form of a Sharps New Model 1863 Percussion Breechloader. Of all the Civil War percussion carbines, the Sharps was the hands-down favorite of the majority of Union cavalrymen. Standard .52 caliber percussion with 22" barrel and six-groove rifling. Carbine sights with saddle bar and ring. This one is in the 101,000 serial range with the C-Prefix (designating 100,000) followed by the last four digits. See photo. Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Good Plus externally but internally it's Excellent with a perfect tight action and a nearly Mint bore. Outer surface has turned to a mostly smooth brown patina with nice edges and markings, a little frosty in places, but no pitting. Bottom of the barrel has a serial number that matches the one on the frame. The wood is solid with typical Civil War handling wear but no cracks or repairs. This gun was obviously issued during the Civil War to a cavalry unit as you can see wear from being carried in the saddle in the form of the sling attachment rubbing on the left side of the stock and a couple of small lines of pock marks...which are indentions from a pair of spurs. The cavalryman who carried it put his initials along the top comb of the stock in 1/2" letters, "WB". See photos. The left side of the stock under the saddle bar has two US government acceptance cartouches with various sub-inspector initials on the various components. Sharps patents are in several places on the lockplate, frame, and loading block. The action feels tight and the hammer works on both half and full cock positions. Internally, the action is almost new. The bore is Excellent, super bright with strong lands and grooves. In fact, you can see the little lines in the grooves from when it was bored as it has been shot very little in its lifetime, just carried. It has one small spot of rust which will probably clean up...otherwise, I'd be inclined to call the bore Mint. Nice example of the Civil War's most successful percussion breachloader!

Item# 1987

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