Original Item: Only One Available. Straight out of the attic and totally unrestored! All we did was clean off the dust and swab the bore a bit, meaning this example is pretty much AS FOUND, after civil war service and then probably over a century of sitting in an attic. It still has about 40% of the original leather barrel cover, along with the two securing screws. Many of these that we see are completely missing the cover, and the screws as well. As expected, the exterior of the barrel where the cover once was is now rusted, showing scaling and rust blooms. The leather, intended to protect the barrel from the salt air, actually ended up trapping it. Amazingly, the action still is mostly functional, even after all this time!

Known as the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 carbine, this weapon is a wartime .52 caliber rimfire breechloading firearm designed by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps. Presented is a nice original example of that engineering design called the “Navy” type carbine, which had its barrel covered in a black leather covering as rust protection against the sea elements. Along with some 6,700 other such Navy carbines produced by the Sharps and Hankins firm in Philadelphia, PA, this carbine was chambered for the No. 56 Sharps & Hankins metallic cartridge.

The naval short arm measures 38 5/8” long and weighs 8 pounds. By releasing the small finger release tab and operating the lever, the barrel slides forward to accommodate the copper rimfire cartridge. The 23 3/4” long barrel has no stock fore end. It is fitted to have a blade front sight and a Civil War ‘tangent style’ rear sight graduated to 800 yards with a leaf that pivots at the front and raises forward in an arc. These are both still present, however the rear sight is frozen with oxidation.

The carbine shows an overall oxidized patina on the metalwork, with some more advanced rust on the barrel. This definitely looks to be a Naval carbine that was exposed to the ocean air over a long period, causing surface oxidation overall and showing that it was "really there". The right side of the frame still has a legible maker address marking:

Left side frame shows the patent stamp, which is a bit worn:

All lock screws look to be original, with some showing some damage to the flathead channel. Serial 11644 is clear and stamped unto the upper plate tang, on the bottom of the barrel, on the underside of the receiver under the loading lever, and on the lever itself. The breech must be open to see most of the serial number markings, which can be hard to see due to rust. We do not see any evidence that any parts have been swapped out over the years.

Carbine has functional mechanics, though it can be a bit stiff due to age. The sliding safety near the hammer is missing, probably rusted away long ago. The hammer functions correctly, hitting the firing pin on the back of the chamber without issue, though the firing pin is frozen in the forward position. The breech latch button is intact, however it does not hold the loading lever securely due to the spring being weak. There is also overall wear on many of the components due to oxidation.

The bore actually still shows strong lands and grooves, with the lands showing a bright finish, while the grooves have oxidation and fouling. This is actually a really good bore for one of these carbines, which are often well rusted and pitted.

The bore is in good condition, and still does show clear lands and grooves, but there is also fouling and oxidation present very common for a black powder era gun, especially one that saw service at sea. The black walnut stock is in very good condition, showing raised grain in areas from moisture exposure, but no damage or other major issues. It would probably clean up great with just a little TLC, but that would also remove the lovely patina of age that it has.  No cartouches are visible. Brass butt plate in fine matured condition, all as shown in in the pictures.

This Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 rimfire carbine is a fine, original arm of the Civil War Federal Navy and would surely enhance any naval display or collection of arms. This is a lovely "salty" example, completely unrestored, which a patina that simply cannot be identified. Ready to restore or display as is!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1863-64
Caliber: .52"
Cartridge Type: Rimfire
Barrel Length: 23 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 38 5/8 Inches
Action type: Lever action Sliding Breech
Feed System: Single Shot

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