April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Immediately post Civil War the United States government looked for ways to implement the more reliable self contained cartridges in the existing and abundantly available firearms that our military had on hand. Numerous different adaptations and conversions where tried and tested. This near new condition Sharps 1863 carbine is one of the 31098 such Sharps converted to the metallic self contained .50-70 Government cartridge. Rifles and carbines alike were chosen based upon their existing condition. The percussion/paper cartridge variations of the Sharps had their receivers modified so they would accept an extractor. The breech block was replaced with a new updated variation that utilized a firing pin and was slotted for the new extractor. The hammers were replaced with new hammers without the percussion cap dome. Barrels were either bored out and lined with a .50 caliber insert or if the bores were in prime condition just left on the receiver and chambered for the new cartridge. Metal surfaces were refinished in the appropriate rust blue or case colored as needed. These newly upgraded rifles and carbines were then almost immediately issue to western bound troops for the then ongoing Indian conflicts. CONDITION: Extremely fine. The receiver, lock plate hammer, buttplate, and lever retain most all of their vivid case colors. The bore is the three groove variation and is bright and shiny with razor sharp rifling. The butt stock and forearms are virtually unissued and show little or no use. The butt stock has a crisp DFC cartouche within the wavy oblong box. Most all screws have their bright nitre finish and little evidence of ever having been turned. A minute chip of wood is missing at the toe. The sling bar and saddle ring are both brightly polished to appear almost nickel in finish. This is an exceptional Indian Wars Sharps carbine that would be extremely difficult to improve upon.