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LOT 1234
Highly Attractive Sharps New Model 1859 Percussion Rifle with
New Model 1863 Barrel - Serial no. 57576, 52 cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. This Sharps rifle was originally manufactured in
1862, and falls around the approximate 54000 to late 57000 serial number range of the
2,000 special ordered rifles produced in 1862 for the 1st
and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooter regiments (U.S.S.) organized
and recruited by Colonel Hiram Berdan, known as
Berdan’s Sharpshooters, per known surviving examples
listed on pages 97-99 of “Sharpshooter” by Wiley Sword, but differs
in that it has been subsequently refurbished with a 30 inch New Model 1863
barrel with saber bayonet lug, and has a single trigger as well as a lever latch. A few other
examples of New Model 1859 rifles are known very close in serial range having this same type of
New Model 1863 replacement barrel, bearing serial numbers 57434 (Lot 1108, May 2016 Premier
Auction) and 57773 (Lot 1091, May 2014 Premier Auction). An included letter, dated April 9, 1975, addressed from
noted author Wiley Sword to the family of the consignor indicates that this rifle may have been refitted with this barrel after
the war for “special purposes.” Three-line Sharps Hartford address marking ahead of the rear sight with “NEW MODEL 1863” on top of the breech,
thick blade front sight, sporting type buckhorn notch ladder rear sight, Sharps 1848
patent date marked on the left of the receiver with the Lawrence 1859 patent date and
Sharps 1852 patent date on the lock, serial number “57576” marked on the upper receiver
tang, single letter inspection marks stamped on various components, small “T.W.R” inspection
initials on the left barrel flat at the breech and bottom of the forearm, “R” on top of the receiver,
and “H” on top of the buttstock.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as arsenal refurbished, retains 98% blue finish on the barrel, 98%
vivid case colors, and 80% niter blue finish, with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall.
Wood is excellent, with distinct edges and crisp stamps. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1235
Ames Mfg. Co. U.S. Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword with Scabbard - These were the standard staff
and field officer’s swords between 1850 to 1872, and were by far the most popular among generals and officers
during the Civil War. The sword is a classic Ames Manufacturing Co. U.S. Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s sword. Features a
regulation 32 1/4 inch blade with wide fuller, acid etched patriotic martial designs along with scrollwork, the Ames Mfg. Co. maker address
etched above the right ricasso, and a gilt brass hilt with floral scroll and “US” designs, and a wire wrapped shagreen grip. The blued steel scabbard has
gilt brass fittings, and the upper band has the Ames Mfg. Co. maker address marking.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% original gold plated finish on the hilt, with an exceptionally fine bright blade showing distinct acid etchings, some
light age spotting, and minor pitting near the tip. The grip wrap is fine with light handling wear. Scabbard is very good, retains 20% gold plated finish
on the brass mounts, with minor dents in the drag, and an even dark brown patina on the iron. This is a very fine example of a regulation pattern Model
1850 Staff and Field Officer’s sword.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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