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LOT 223
Rare U.S. Inspected Sharps Model 1855 Slant
Breech Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 18778, 52 cal.,
21 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured between 1856-1857, this is one of only 600 of these
Sharps Model 1855 carbines purchased on contract by the U.S. Army, with
the majority issued to the 1st Dragoons in California and the 2nd Dragoons
in Texas, per pages 197-198 of “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 5F-014.2).
“U.S/J.H/P” (sub-inspector John Hawkins) markings on the upper left breech area of
the barrel. Marked with the standard three-line Sharps Hartford address on the barrel ahead
of the rear sight. The upper tang has the “SHARPS/PATENT/1848” marking in front of the serial
number. “EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE 1845.” marked on the primer cover. Matching serial number marked on
the upper receiver tang and bottom of the barrel concealed by the forearm. Brass blade front and replacement rifle-
musket type folding leaf rear sight. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a brass barrel
band, patchbox and buttplate.
CONDITION: Good, with mottled gray patina, scattered spotting and light pitting, sharp markings in the metal, and the brass
fittings have a pleasing lightly aged patina. Wood is also good as re-oiled, with numerous scattered dings, dents, chips and
scratches. Mechanically fine. Surviving examples of these rare U.S. Sharps Model 1855 carbines are seldom found today!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 224
Very Scarce Civil War James Warner Breech
Loading Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 302, 50 RF cal., 20 inch
round bbl., blue/bright finish, walnut stock. Only 1,501 of these carbines
are believed to have been manufactured by Warner in 1864. These initial carbines saw
some use by Wisconsin units and others during the last part of the war. Another 2,500 were
produced by Greene Rifle Works. After the Civil War, the Warner carbines were sold as surplus
and then Schuyler, Hartley & Graham resold them to
France in 1870. The action features a hinged breech
block and manual extractor located on the underside
of the forend. “JAMES WARNER,SPRINGFIELD,MASS/
WARNER’S/PATENT” marked in three lines on the left
side of the brass frame, has a round blade front sight,
folding leaf rear sight with “3”, “5”, and “8” markings on the leaf (300-800 yards), “50.C.R.F.” marked on top of
the barrel, a smooth walnut forend, straight wrist walnut buttstock, saddle ring mounted on the left of the
action, matching serial number “302” marked on the bottom of the barrel, rear flat of the walnut forend, front
flat of the frame, top of the frame, and buttplate which is also “US” marked.
CONDITION: Fine, the barrel and barrel band have been lightly cleaned, exhibiting bright surfaces with some scattered patches of
light surface pitting. 60% plus vivid original case colors visible on the hammer and trigger with smooth brown patina on the balance. The brass retains
an attractive golden aged patina. Wood is fine with some scattered light dents and handling marks, a minor crack ahead of the right of the extractor hook, and a few cracks behind
the lower tang, a small chip at the toe and otherwise defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500