November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Sharp's Model 1859 New Model rifle with serial number "55070", which puts this rifle in the middle of the Berdan Sharpshooters range of 54374 and 57567. Some 2,000 rifles were ordered by Col. Hiram Berdan and delivered to his green-coated 1st and 2nd sharpshooters in 1862. Rifle features 30" round .52 caliber 6-groove rifled barrel, pinned blade front sight, and 800 yard flip rear graduated sight with "W.C." inspector's mark standing for "William Caldwell". Barrel is marked "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG CO/HARTFORD, CONN." in front of rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1859" behind rear sight and is not lugged for a saber bayonet. Case hardened percussion action with iconic double set triggers and marked "RS LAWRENCE PAT/APRIL 12TH 1859" and "C. SHARP'S PAT./OCT. 5TH 1852" on right sidelock with left side marked "C.SHARPS PAT/SEPT 12TH, 1848". Walnut buttstock with boxed "JT" inspectors mark on left side of grip indicating inspection by John Taylor and who is the most common inspector on Berdan rifles. Iron patchbox with punch dot on lid. Gun has iron hardware with three iron barrel bands and iron nosecap on walnut forestock. CONDITION: Metal fading to a silvery patina with 10% fading case colors. Metal appears to be slightly cleaned long ago. Wood has good color with usage dings and marks, readable inspector marks with light coat of linseed oil applied long ago. Good bore and mechanics. Appears to be a genuine Berdan Sharps. DLM