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LOT 224
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: 10,000 - 14,000
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