Page 197 - 88-BOOK1

LOT 197
Outstanding U.S. Sharps New
Model 1863 Breech Loading
Metallic Cartridge Conversion Rifle - Serial no. C,33545,
50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. This is a highly attractive example of a Sharps New Model 1863 rifle that
was updated for use with metallic cartridges by the factory in the immediate post-Civil
War era. Only 6,150 New Model 1863 rifles with front sights doubling as bayonet lugs were
originally manufactured (C,30000-C,40000 range) compared to over 60,000 New Model
1863 carbines, making them a desirable Sharps variation. “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,33545” marked on the upper receiver tang and repeated on the underside of the barrel, 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 flat at the breech, “T.W.R” (Thomas W. Russell) inspection initials marked
on the underside flat of the forearm ahead of the trigger guard, “E.P.R” inspection initials marked on top of the stock comb ahead of
the buttplate tang, boxed script “AWM” and “TWR” inspection cartouches stamped on the left wrist of the stock, and a “DFC” (David F.
Clark) cartouche stamped on the left center of the buttstock.
CONDITION: Excellent, as issued, retains 99% arsenal refurbished blue and vivid casehardened finishes with a few light
scratches. The wood is excellent showing some scattered minor handling marks, and absolutely sharp cartouches, stampings and edges overall. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional U.S. Sharps New Model 1863 metallic cartridge conversion rifle would be next to impossible to improve upon!
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
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