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On the day of the raid, October 16, 1859, 19 of the 22 abolitionists left the
farm to carry out the plan. Three remained at the farmhouse to guard the
weapons and remain at the ready to disperse them. Once they caught
wind the raid was a failure, they all escaped north. According to page 96
of the book “Sharps Firearms” by Frank Sellers, “When troop units were
sent to round up other members of the insurrectionist party, the cache
of arms at the Kennedy farm was discovered; but before the government
authorities could take possession of them, some were appropriated by
local citizens. By the time the government officials finally got hold of the
Sharps carbines which had belonged to Brown, only 102 of the original 200
were recovered.” This Sharps carbine was almost certainly one of the batch
captured out of the farmhouse by the Independent Greys and went home
with G.F. Jones, as evidenced by its period inscription on the patchbox and
the relevant newspaper articles.
No solid information could be located about individual G.F. Jones, although
records related the Maryland Volunteers, including the Independent Greys,
indicate that at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 many of its members
seceded from the Union, which Maryland remained loyal to, and joined
the Confederacy.
The top of the barrel is marked “SHARP’S RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD
CONN.” in three lines ahead of the rear sight. The upper receiver tang is
marked “SHARPS/PATENT/1848” followed by the serial number, and the
lock is marked “SHARP’S/PATENT/1852”. Small initials “JPC” stamped on the
left stock wrist. Brass blade front sight and ladder rear sight. Mounted with
a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with brass barrel band, patchbox
and carbine buttplate, and a sling bar and ring on the left. Matching serial
number “15859” marked on the upper receiver tang and underside of
the barrel.
CONDITION: Very good plus with an untouched attic fresh appearance,
brown patina and oxidation on the exposed iron surfaces, absent hammer
screw head, legible markings, and attractive untouched age darkened
golden patina on the brass fittings with a crisp capture inscription. Wood
is also very good with numerous characteristic scattered dents, scuffs
and scratches. Mechanically functions good. This immensely historic
Sharps Model 1853 carbine, inscribed as captured during the Harpers
Ferry Armory raid of 1859, would be a significant centerpiece in any early
American arms collection or museum!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000