Page 232 - 4094-BOOK2

LOT 1237
Outstanding Civil War U.S. Sharps New Model 1863 Breech Loading Percussion Saddle
Ring Carbine - Serial no. 98611, 52 cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Approximately 20,000 New Model 1863 carbines were manufactured between 1863-1865 during the
Civil War, according to information in “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 5F-020). Offered here is an
outstanding example of a Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 percussion carbine that shows minimal
evidence of use. The strong majority of Sharps New Model 1863 carbines saw hard use during the Civil
War, with many converted for use with metallic cartridges and sent out west after the war, making a
high condition percussion example like this one very seldom encountered today, and a prize among
Civil War collectors. It features a blade front sight and Lawrence patent ladder rear sight with 800
yard center notch, “NEW MODEL 1863” marked on top of the breech area of the barrel, Sharps 1848
patent date marked on the left of the receiver with the R.S. Lawrence 1859 patent date and Sharps
1852 patent date on the lock, single letter inspection marks stamped on various components, “H.D.H”
inspection initials stamped on top of the stock comb ahead of the buttplate, and two boxed script
“TWR” (Thomas W. Russell) inspection cartouches stamped on the left of the wrist. Matching serial
number “98611” marked on the upper receiver tang and bottom of the barrel.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% original military blue finish on the barrel, 97% plus vibrant original
case colors on the frame, lock and hammer, 90% plus original case colors on the lever and buttplate
with a few areas of slight fading and freckling on the balance, and 85% plus fiery nitre blue finish on
the breech block and small parts. The lightly refurbished wood is very fine with distinct edges, a few
light handling marks and legible cartouches. Absent primer feed mechanism, otherwise mechanically
excellent. This outstanding example of a Sharps New Model 1863 percussion saddle ring carbine
would make an excellent addition to any U.S. Civil War firearms collection!
Estimate: 15,000 - 22,500
230