Original Item: Only One Available. We have had several examples of the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 carbine before, however all of these were the "Navy" model, designed with a leather cover on the barrel. This example however does not have the screws or tapped holes for the cover, identifying it as a very rare "Army" model, the only example we have ever had! It's also in really great shape, and looks to be an all matching example, with serial number 4723 stamped in many areas on the carbine! Definitely a great collector's opportunity here!

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 “Army” type carbine, which was produced in far fewer numbers than the leather covered "Navy" model. One of only 500 these Army carbines produced by the Sharps and Hankins firm in Philadelphia, PA, this carbine was chambered for the No. 56 Sharps & Hankins metallic cartridge.

The Army issue short arm measures 38 3/4” 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 24” 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.

The carbine has still retains a lot of the original bluing on the receiver, while the barrel has a gray oxidized patina, showing some evidence of past pitting, now cleaned away. This looks like a carbine that saw a good amount of service during the war, and possibly afterwards. This gives it a lovely aged patina, showing it was "really there. The right side of the frame still has a faint maker address marking:

Left side frame shows the patent stamp, which is also worn.:

All lock screws look to be original and in very good condition, with some showing some damage to the flathead channels.  Serial 4723 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. During cleaning we also noted that the butt stock itself is matching, marked under the butt plate. We do not see any evidence that any parts have been swapped out over the years.

Carbine has crisp mechanics, with no sticking or hang ups, and the sliding half cock safety is still present on the rear left of the receiver. The hammer functions correctly, hitting the firing pin on the back of the chamber without issue. The breech latch button is intact, and fully functional. There are no mechanical deficiencies to note, and this is really one of the best examples we have seen, almost certainly because it is an Army example, not exposed to the sea air.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation in the grooves, but for a black powder gun from the civil war, this is really a great bore. The black walnut stock is very good condition, with a lovely color and grain. It shows only light wear, and no cracks or repairs, and has a lovely oiled finish. No cartouches are visible due to cleaning over the decades. 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 Army and would surely enhance any Civil War firearms collection. A lovely example, one of only 500 "Army" models made, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1863-64
Caliber: .52"
Cartridge Type: Rimfire
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Overall Length: 38 3/4 Inches
Action type: Lever action Sliding Breech
Feed System: Single Shot

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