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New Model 1863 Metallic Cartridge Conversion Saddle Ring
Carbine - Serial no. 48809, 50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This
Sharps carbine features engraving in the distinctive patterns attributed to the shop of Gustave Young. The hammer has eight dots stamped below the spur, which
was a method used by Gustave Young to denote the level of embellishment, most
notably on Colt revolvers. Features Germanic floral scroll pattern engraving with punchdot backgrounds, straight and wavy line borders on the frame, breech, lock, hammer, lever, lower tang, saddle bar mount, and buttplate. This Sharps was originally
manufactured in 1863-1865 as a percussion carbine for use in the Civil War
and was likely one
of 31,098 carbines
returned by the U.S.
Government to Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. in 1867, who received a contract for refurbishment
and alteration of their rifles for use with metallic cartridges. It may have seen military use in the Indian Wars era prior to being returned
and engraved for commercial sale. “A.H.K” inspection initials marked on the
left flat of the breech end of the barrel, “A.W.M” marked on the saddle bar mount, and a faint
script “TWR” (Thomas W. Russell) boxed inspection cartouche marked on the left center of the buttstock. The lock has
been modified with the top section slimmed, possibly factory performed prior to being engraved. The replacement Sharps barrel is
numbered “71020” underneath the forend, and factory relined with three-groove rifling.
CONDITION: Fine as period refinished and engraved, retains 70% plus blue finish strong in most of the engraved areas with smooth brown patina and some spotting on the front half of the barrel. The engraving remains sharp overall. The wood is very good as lightly sanded and re-oiled, with some light scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,000 - 13,000
the 1st and 2nd Dragoon regiments on the frontier, where they were exposed to harsh conditions, with limited surviving examples today. This example is fitted with a brass barrel band, patch box, and buttplate, the early pattern long iron sling bar that extends from the receiver to the barrel band and fitted with a saddle ring. The barrel is fitted with a brass front sight blade and a folding ladder rear sight. The receiver has the Lawrence pellet primer. The top of the barrel is
marked “SHARP’S RIFLE/MANUFG.CO./HARTFORD. CONN.” in three lines ahead of the rear sight, the right side of the lock plate is marked “SHARP’S/PATENT/1852” in three lines, and “C.SHARP’S/PATENT/1848” is stamped on the upper receiver tang in front of the serial
number “8727”. The matching serial number is also marked on the underside of the barrel and inside the forend channel. “J” sub-inspection mark stamped on the left barrel flat. The stock and forearm are oil-finished walnut. “JPC” inspection initials ahead of an oval script “W.A.T” (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouche is stamped on the left of the stock wrist just behind the receiver. “64” stamped on the inside of the patch box door. CONDITION: Very good plus, the blue and casehardened iron surfaces showing mostly a bright appearance with some scattered areas of light pitting, strong traces of original niter blue finish visible on the lever latch and trigger, and defined markings and edges in the metal overall. The brass exhibits an attractive golden bright patina. The wood is also very good with scattered light scratches and dents, a re-glued cracked section at the toe with a period dowel plugged hole, defined edges and clear stampings. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
Collector’s Fact
According to "Sharps Firearms" by Sellers, approximately 250 Sharps Model 1853 Slant Breech Saddle Ring Carbines were issued to the 1st and 2nd Dragoon regiments for trials.
75
LOT 3082
Engraved Sharps
LOT 3083
Rare U.S. Martially Inspected Sharps Model 1853 Slant Breech Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no.
8727, 52 cal., 21 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. U.S. inspected Sharps Model 1853 carbines are rare; the Army only purchased an estimated 250 carbines and issued them for trials to