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LOT 217
Spectacular Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 Breech Loading Percussion Rifle - Serial no. C,39563, 52 cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is a spectacular example of a Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 rifle. Only 6,150 New Model 1863 rifles with front sights doubling as bayonet lugs were manufactured (C,30000-C,40000 range)
compared to over 60,000 New Model 1863 carbines, making them a desirable Sharps variation. This example serves as a time capsule, and sets itself apart from the rest, in its own league, in terms of desirability. “NEW MODEL 1863” marked on top of the barrel behind the Lawrence patent ladder rear sight with 900 yard center notch, 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, serial number “C,39563” marked on the upper receiver tang and no disassembly was performed to
be able to view the underside of the barrel out of respect for the untouched nature of the gun, three barrel bands, sling swivels mounted on the bottom of the middle barrel band and buttstock, single letter
inspection marks stamped on various components, “M.N.M” inspection initials on the left barrel
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flat at the breech, “E.P.R” inspection initials marked on the underside flat of the forearm ahead of the trigger guard, “T.W.R” (Thomas W. Russell) inspection initials marked on top of the stock comb ahead of the buttplate tang, and two boxed script “TWR” inspection cartouches on the left of the wrist. Rock Island Auction Company is fortunate to have the opportunity to offer this outstanding Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 rifle!