December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2024
The accepted serial number range for documented Berdan U.S. Sharpshooters Sharps rifles is 54390 - 57574. (this example is number 54790) Both the 1st and 2nd regiments are known to have carried rifles in the 54000, 55000, 56000, and 57000 range. The rifle itself is a New Model 1859 which is stamped at barrel breech along with Sharps Hartford legend forward of the Lawrence patent stamp ladder rear sight. Of course, it features the distinctive double set triggers (working) The right side of receiver has two sets of Sharps patent legends while the left side has the single Sharps patent legend. The left side of barrel has the WC inspector stamp for William Chapman who worked at the Sharps plant under Charles Hartwell from August of 1861 to April of 1862. The 1st and 2nd Regiments United States Sharpshooters, referred to as Hiram Berdan's Sharpshooters, were organized August 1861 to March 1862.The walnut stock features a near full length forearm, three barrel bands, swivels, a metal foreend tip, a post front sight, metal butt plate and iron patch box on right side. Berdan's Sharpshooters were a specialized unit of marksmen who were known for their green uniforms and their Sharps breech-loading rifles that played a part in many of the wars most infamous engagements such as Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, Chancellorsville, Second Battle of Bull Run and many more during the early years of the war. CONDITION: Very good. All outward metal is now a soft patina with scattered age freckling and no signs of any original blue or case colors, save for some nitre blue on barrel band springs. All legends are crisp. The stocks are solid and complete showing only minor scattered dings and impressions. The action works correctly. The rifling is visible but thin but no internal damage.