October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
The military rifle of 1853 is identical in contour to the carbine with carbine type short forend but with a longer 27" barrel and stud for saber type bayonet. It is estimated a mere 204 were ever manufactured and with the survival rate of over 170 years makes this one of the hardest to find of all Sharps rifles. Features include standard Sharps military front sight, "R.S. LAWRENCE 1859" stamped rear sight (upgraded). Breech of barrel is stamped "SHARPS RIFLE MANUFG CO HARTFORD CONN." The serial number is also stamped on the underside of the barrel under the forearm. Tang is stamped "SHARPS PATENT 1848". Right sideplate is stamped "SHARPS PATENT 1852". Single trigger, single brass barrel band and brass buttplate and trapdoor. Matching serial number can also be found on the inside of the trapdoor and inside bottom of buttplate. Manufactured from 1854 to 1857. This was the last Slant Breech Model and did not come with the Maynard priming system. This rifle does fall above the surmised range. CONDITION: All steel and iron metal is a smooth, homogenous grey-brown patina with scattered age freckling. Most of the screws are fairly true. Wood is excellent with usual dings but proud to metal in all areas. Fine action. Well-pronounced rifling that is sharp on its edges, dulled grooves and some minor abrasions.
Caliber/Bore
.52 Percussion
Manufacturer
Sharps Rifle Co.