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LOT 241
Exceptional Civil War Era Sharps New Model 1859 Breech Loading Percussion Rifle - Serial no. 42688, 52 cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. The New Model 1859 military type rifles were manufactured between 1859-1862. This example features a bayonet lug and guide for use with a saber bayonet. Iron blade front and Lawrence pattern ladder rear sight mounted on the blued barrel with three barrel bands. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped “SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO/HARTFORD CONN.” in three lines ahead of the rear sight and “NEW MODEL 1859” behind it. The lock plate is roll-stamped with the Sharps 1852 patent markings and the R.S. Lawrence 1859 patent markings and is
fitted with the Lawrence pellet primer.
The left side of the frame is stamped with the Sharps two-line patent markings. Casehardened barrel bands, receiver, hammer, trigger guard lever, lower tang, patchbox, and buttplate. Two piece walnut stock with iron patchbox. Period tack decorations on the left of the buttstock.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains
75% original blue finish and 80%
original case colors with scattered light to mild
freckling, a patch of light surface corrosion visible on the left of the receiver, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is very fine with some scattered light to mild dents and scratches, tack decorations, a small chip behind the lock, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 13,000 - 18,000
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