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LOT 3263
Rare U.S. Inspected Sharps Model 1855 Slant Breech Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 19070, 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 folding leaf rear sight (absent slide). Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and
straight grip stock with a brass barrel band, patchbox and buttplate. The consignor indicated this carbine was purchased from Vin Caponi, Jr. on May 17, 2013.
CONDITION: Good, with artificially applied brown, some scattered light surface freckling, a repaired soldered section at the tail of the lever, and defined markings in the metal. Wood is also good as
sanded and re-oiled, with some scattered dings and dents, reglued cracks visible at the top of the wrist, and various small cracks visible at some of the edges. Absent rear sight slide piece. The primer door
latch is non-functional, otherwise mechanically functions fine. These U.S. Sharps Model 1855 carbines are hard to find in any condition!
Provenance: Vin Caponi, Jr.; Private Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3262
Extremely Rare U.S. Army Type “Short Frame” Perry Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 2, 54 cal., 21 inch round
bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The U.S. Army ordered 200 of these “short frame” Perry carbines with saddle rings in 1855, with only an estimated 25
manufactured and none believed to have been delivered for the order for unknown reasons, according to “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 9B-083).
In 1856, the U.S. Navy ordered 150 of the “long frame” Perry carbines without saddle rings, of which only 50 of those were accepted. This U.S. Army type “short frame”
carbine is based on the designs of Alonzo D. Perry. “PATENT/PENDING/A. D. PERRY/1854” marked on top of the breech area of the receiver, with number “2” marked on
the concealed front surface of the frame and rear surface of the walnut forearm. This “short frame” Perry has a different type of shorter breech block than the typical Perry
carbines witnessed, of which there were an estimated 1,500 made in various configurations. It has a loading cutout in the frame, and the breech block closes behind cartridges rather than
loading a paper cartridge into the breech block like the other Perry firearms. The left side of the frame has a saddle bar and ring. The barrel has a dovetail mounted blade front sight and notch
rear sight, with a small filled in dovetail on top of the breech area from a previous rear sight mounting location, which appears to be of factory quality. The buttstock has a false patchbox, which when
opened allows removal from the rear of a spring-loaded tube that holds percussion caps, which automatically feeds to the percussion nipple.
CONDITION: Very good, retains traces of original blue finish concentrated in protected areas, with mostly brown patina on the iron, some scattered patches of light pitting, and legible markings. Wood is also very
good with scattered dents and scratches, a few minor cracks and a chip at the bottom rear of the forearm, a few minor cracks behind the upper and lower tangs, and defined edges. Mechanically fine. This rare U.S.
Army type “short frame” Perry carbine would make an outstanding addition in any advanced U.S. military firearms collection!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
Collector’s Fact
According to "Flayderman's
Guide (9th Edition)" 200 "Short
Frame" Perry carbines were
ordered by the U.S. Army, with
an estimated 25 manufactured.
Collector’s Fact
According to "Flayderman's Guide
(9th Edition)", only 600 Sharps
Model 1855 Carbines were
purchased by the U.S. Army.
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