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This rifle has a nickel-silver blade front sight, Lawrence patent notch and ladder rear sight with readings graduated to 800 yards and a 900 yard center notch at the top, standard markings including “NEW MODEL 1859” on top of the barrel at the breech, adjustable double set triggers, long military style forearm, sling swivels on the middle barrel band
and buttstock, an iron patch box, and is correctly not fit with a lever latch. The matching serial number “56740” is marked on the upper receiver tang and underside of the barrel. Fitted with an original Civil War era brown leather military pattern sling maker marked “C.S. STORMS/MAKER/NEW YORK CITY” in an oval. An old small circular brass inventory plaque numbered “922” is affixed to the left of the buttstock, along with some faintly visible period carved X’s and O’s. Most of these rifles saw hard use in some of the most significant major battles of the Civil War in a specialized role similar to a modern day sniper rifle, with many dropped in battle; surviving examples are highly sought after today!
Colonel Hiram Berdan
CONDITION: Very good plus, exhibiting desirable signs of genuine light use acceptable for a Civil War used Berdan Sharps, retains 60% original blue finish
on the barrel, traces of original case colors with smooth brown patina on the casehardened surfaces, scattered patches of light pitting. The wood is also very good with mild wear, scrapes and battle scars, some edge wear and a lightly visible cartouche. Mechanically needs work as the hammer does not always remain in
the cocked position. The period leather sling is fine with some light age related cracking. A real fresh example of a historic Berdan Sharps rifle with desirable signs of period use indicating it likely participated some of the most important historical battles of the U.S. Civil War!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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