September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Features a 30" barrel in .52 bore-percussion. Approximately 2,000 of these special Sharps rifles were manufactured for Hiram Berdan's sharpshooters. All were based on the Model 1859 Sharps rifle with subtle changes, which included: lack of bayonet lug so that sabers would lock into front sight post; no lever loading lock and adjustable double set triggers, which allowed for precision shooting. Another telltale sign is the punch-dot inside patch box. There were two serial number ranges for these special order rifles. The first was 39573 through 40872, the second batch of numbers is 54390 to 57574. The serial number on this rifle, 56339, falls into that second block. N. 56314 is the closest recorded and document Berdan Sharps to this serial number. The left side of the wrist has the proper "J.T." cartouche within the oval and is clearly readable. Top of barrel is stamped "Sharps Rifle Manufg. Co. Hartford, Conn.". Breech is stamped "New Model 1859". Both sides of receiver have proper Sharps patent date stamps. In the summer and fall of 1861, Hiram Berdan was involved in the recruiting of 18 companies, from eight states, which were formed into two sharpshooter regiments with the backing of General Winfield Scott and President Abraham Lincoln. Berdan was named as Colonel of the resultant 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters on November 30, 1861. His men, who had to pass rigorous marksmanship tests, were dressed in distinctive green uniforms and equipped with the most advanced long-range rifles featuring telescopic sights. Even when assigned to a brigade, the regiments were usually detached for special assignments on the field of battle. They were frequently used for skirmish duty. Berdan fought at the Seven Days Battles and Second Battle of Bull Run. In September 1862, his sharpshooters were at the Battle of Shepherdstown. Berdan commanded the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac in February and March 1863, then he commanded the 3rd Brigade at the Battle of Chancellorsville. At the Battle of Gettysburg, his two regiments of sharpshooters played an important role in delaying Confederate attacks on Devil's Den and the Peach Orchard. In a sharp encounter in Pitzer's Woods on Seminary Ridge, the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters stalled the advancing Alabama brigade of Cadmus Wilcox. Berdan assumed command of J. H. Hobart Ward's brigade when the latter became acting division commander (David B. Birney having become acting corps commander following the wounding of Daniel Sickles) and led the division throughout the rest of the campaign, as well as during the subsequent Bristoe and Mine Run campaigns. During his tenure as leader of the Sharpshooters, he worked with military brass to get an order of specially equipped Sharps New Model 1859 rifles. This is one of those special rifles. It is also one of the finest existing examples known. The barrel is a smooth blue that is just beginning to turn and mix patina, has no pitting or damage of any kind, with some light age freckles. It has the Lawrence patent rear sight, barrel legends are strong as new. The receiver colors have turned soft grey with some pattern with no pitting or damage of any kind. Has the original sling swivels to include the split rear. Stock cartouche on left side is perfect. Rear stock screw still retains some brilliant blue. Patch box and buttplate are a soft grey. Forend walnut stock is excellent with just a couple of extremely minor spots. Three barrel band retaining springs still have the vast majority of the original finish. Rear walnut stock is excellent with no cracks, proud to metal, immaculate fit, with just a couple of very minor mars. The only flaw is a small chip at toe. Has a strong bore, still shiny with some minor residue and a perfect action. One of the finest Berdan Sharps with immeasurable Civil War history and the genesis of the American sniper.