September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
During the Civil War an order of 1,050 New Model 1859 rifles fit with socket bayonets rather than sword bayonets was procured for the US Army; additional examples in the 39573 - 40872 range were also procured for Hiram Berdan's Sharpshooters, usually outfitted with double set triggers. This example, serial number 39969, features a standard blued round .52 rifled barrel stamped with 3-line Sharps address and "NEW MODEL 1859" designation. Blade front sight which doubles as a bayonet lug and ladder rear sight graduated to 800 yards. Standard straight breech falling block percussion action with Sharps primer and plain trigger. Full-length walnut forend with a steel nose cap and 3 spring retained barrel bands. Plain straight-grain walnut buttstock with sling swivel, steel patch box, and steel buttplate. A very faint boxed inspector cartouche appears to be present at the wrist. CONDITION: Good. Metal exhibits a silvery salt and pepper patina throughout. Wood lightly cleaned with some scattered impressions. Strong bore displays well-defined drifting with some abrasions from period black powder use. Mechanically fine.
Model
New Model 1859 Rifle