April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
A mere total of 6,150 of these rifles were manufactured right in the middle of the Civil War, between C30000 and C40000. They were spectacular, reliable rifles much in demand and most were well used. This example has survived in immaculate condition. Features round barrel, post front sight, Lawrence dated 1859 military rear sight, three barrel bands, sling swivels, nearly full length walnut forearm, walnut stock with patchbox. Barrel stamped "SHARPS RIFLE MFG CO HARTFORD CONN". Breech of barrel stamped 1863. Right and left side of frame have the proper Sharps patent date markings. Original nipple. No visible cartouches on the left sides of the rifle. Military inspector stamp on left side of barrel "RSL" Richard S. Lawrence who inspected the 1863 Sharps Infantry rifles and also invented the rear sight used on this rifle. CONDITION: All legends are sharp. Barrel retains approximately 75-85% original factory blue finish with scattered spots of age freckling. Frame and hammer retains approximately 40% original case colors. Patchbox has 30% case colors. Many of the screws have original nitre blue present. Left side screw and rear tang screw have slight marring. Wood is excellent, proud to metal, never refinished with usual bumps and bruises. Sharp, well defined bore with light abrasion. Fine action. Well above average mid-war Sharps long rifle.
Caliber/Bore
.52 Percussion