Original Item: Only One Available. Straight out of an old barn and still mostly uncleaned! We have had several examples of the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 carbine before, however we have never had one that had even a PIECE of the original leather cover. This example however still has some great remnants around the receiver area, and probably has about a third of the cover still present! Originally the cover would have gone all the way to the muzzle, but sea service and age has resulted in covers being exceedingly rare.

What remains on this carbine is VERY delicate, and looks to have been glued in place in some areas to prevent further deterioration. To avoid disturbing the cover, we also kept cleaning to a minimum, to keep with the "barn fresh" look. This has left grease over some of the serial number markings on the loading lever, but we are sure that they are the original components.

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.

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 5/8” long, barrel has no stock forend; does have an iron blade front sight and a typical Civil War ‘tangent style’ rear sight graduated to 800 yards with a leaf that pivots at the front and raises forward in an arc.

Frame, hammer and operating lever show traces of original color and case hardening. Right side of the frame exhibits the distinct address:

Left side frame shows the patent stamp:

All stampings are mostly clear. All lock screws are original and in excellent condition. Metal surfaces of the carbine appear a mottled dark gray with traces of original color, with years of patina and dried grease and dirt. Serial 8205 is clear and stamped unto the upper plate tang, as well as on the bottom of the barrel, and on the underside of the receiver under the loading lever. The breech must be open to see most of the serial number markings.

Carbine has crisp mechanics, though it can be a bit stiff due to age. The sliding safety near the hammer is fully functional, is missing, however the other components are all present. The hammer functions correctly, though for some reason the firing pin does not align correctly with the breech. Bore is in very good condition, and shows clear lands and grooves, with just a bit of darkening in the grooves. Black walnut stock is very good condition. Shows wear and use and a repaired crack near the receiver tang on the right side.. No cartouches are visible. Brass butt plate in fine 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.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1863-64
Caliber: .52"
Cartridge Type: Rimfire
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action type: Lever action Sliding Breech
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.