{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-excellent-sharps-new-model-1863-vertical-breech-saddle-ring-carbine-serial-80110-unconverted","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Excellent Sharps New Model 1863 Vertical Breech Saddle-Ring Carbine - Serial 80110 - Unconverted","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a beautiful example of an original New Model 1863 Military Vertical Breech Carbine in .52 caliber, serial number \u003cstrong\u003e80110\u003c\/strong\u003e. This features a later version of the Sharps action with an improved gas seal and vertical breech. The carbine has a lovely look, still retaining much of the original browned and case hardened finish, and the stocks are simply fantastic. Definitely one of the best examples that we have ever seen!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe falling block action lent itself to conversion to the new metallic cartridges developed in the late 1860s, so many were converted in the late 1860s and were used during the Indian Wars in the decades immediately following the Civil War. Most other \"Capping Breech Loader\" designs were far less suited. This example however is still in the original configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right side by the lock still shows the original markings well, still crisp with just a bit of wear due to past peppering:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR.S. LAWRENCE PAT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAPRIL 12TH 1859\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC. SHARPS' PAT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOCT 5TH 1852\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the receiver is somewhat worn, so the left side of the markings partly worn away, which is very common:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[C.SHARPS]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e PAT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e[SEPT 12]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTH 1848\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarkings on the barrel above the chamber are fully visible and read:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MODEL 1863\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear sight spring is still present, with the markings still faintly legible:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR.S. LAWRENCE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENTED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFEB 15TH 1859\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original markings in front of the sight, are present, though the top line is quite faint:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHARPS RIFLE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMANUFG. CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHARTFORD. CONN.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe large number of markings is a testament to the number of innovations that went into the creation of the sharps rifle. The breech, the pellet primer system, all were patented innovations. A clear matching serial number is marked on the receiver tang and under the fore stock-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e80110\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere were approximately 60,000 of this model made, serial numbers 71235 to 99999, and then second series C1 to C49528. This example was made very early in the production, so it was most likely made in early 1864. The carbine is marked with \u003cstrong\u003eT.W.R.\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side of the barrel by the breech, for Civil War Era inspector \u003cem\u003eThomas W. Russell\u003c\/em\u003e, seen on other examples of the sharps. It is also marked on the base for the saddle ring bar with \u003cstrong\u003eE.P.R.\u003c\/strong\u003e, the initials of \u003cem\u003eEdwin P. Richardson\u003c\/em\u003e, a known inspector of Sharps rifle \u0026amp; carbine barrels, as well as \u003cstrong\u003eC.H.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e on the bottom of the fore stock, a known but unidentified inspector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe action opens correctly, and the lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and only firing at full. The \"pellet primer\" system on this rifle appears to be mostly intact with visible internals, something that is not often seen, as they often are removed or break over the years. This was an alternative to the standard percussion cap, which greatly facilitated firing on horseback. Unfortunately the connector between the hammer and the mechanism has been removed, so it does not cycle with the lock. The saddle ring bar is still intact, complete with the saddle ring, and the lock on the end of the operating lever. We checked the bore, and the correct six groove rifling is still easily visible and crisp, showing little to no wear from use, though there is light overall oxidation, probably from storage. It could probably be polished out but that would make the rifling less crisp. The sight on top of the barrel is fully functional. The wood stocks are present, and are in excellent condition, with a beautiful color and lightly oiled finish. We do not see any major damage aside from some small stress cracks where the fore stock meets the receiver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent example of a Civil War Carbine, still in the original \"capping breech loader\" configuration. This will be a worthy addition to any Civil War collection, looking much as it did when it was new. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: c.1864-5\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .52-caliber\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Percussion Ignited Cartridge w\/ pellet primer or cap\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 22 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 39 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Lever Action Falling Block\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistory of the Sharps Carbine-\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sharps, which used a nitrated linen or paper cartridge, was available in rifle or carbine models. Approximately 3,000 New Model 1859 Carbine produced early in the production run featured brass furniture and a brass patchbox. Many of these saw service with Georgia troops during the Civil War. About 30,000 more were produced with iron furniture and an iron patchbox. All featured a pellet priming system as part of the lock plate. The New Model 1863 and New Model 1865 Carbines were essentially the same as the earlier model, the differences being confined to barrel markings. SN 32532\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis popular Civil War carbine in .52 caliber fired a linen cartridge by either disc primer or percussion cap. It was manufactured by Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company, Hartford, Connecticut. The breechblock drops down to open the chamber on lowering the trigger guard lever. Early model Sharps carbines are brass trimmed and later models are iron trimmed. The principal single-shot carbines of the Civil War were \"NEW MODEL 1859\" and \"NEW MODEL 1863\". The only noticeable difference is that many New Model 1859's, but not all, have patch boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe New Model 1863's were made without patch boxes, a wartime procedure to do away with extras. It has a 21 1\/2-inch barrel, measures 37 1\/2 inches overall, and has a two- piece walnut stock. The barrel and, on some, the buttplate were blued. The frame, lock, and barrel band were casehardened in mottled colors. The fact that the Confederates manufactured copies of the Sharps carbine in Richmond, Virginia, in quantity testifies to its general popularity. This carbine was based on Christian Sharps' patents of 1848 and 1852 and on Richard S. Lawrence's patents of 1859.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristian Sharps (1811-1874) was the originator of a line of sturdy, practical, and popular military and sporting rifles and handguns that were associated with several events that shaped American history in 19th century, including armed conflict in Kansas during the 1850s, the Civil War, the era of the Plains buffalo hunter, and the rise of modern long-range competition shooting during the 1870s. Sharps worked at John Hall's Rifle Works in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, where he learned the principles of arms manufacturing. His first breechloading rifle design was patented in 1848, and the toggle-linking trigger guard and vertically operating sliding wedge breechblock of later Sharps rifles and carbines date from that patent. These features are still with us today, and have seen use in both rifle and artillery breech mechanisms. The spring lever-toggle-breech mechanism of the Borchardt-Luger semi-automatic pistol also had its roots in Christian Sharps' lever-linked breech.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1850, Sharps moved to Mill Creek, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, and contracted with the firm of A. S. Nippes to manufacture two of his sporting rifle designs, which became known as the Model 1849 and Model 1850. Faced with difficulty in obtaining financing for further ventures, Sharps left the Philadelphia area in 1851 and relocated to Hartford, Connecticut, where he formed the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company. Lacking production facilities, he contracted with the Windsor, Vermont firm of Robbins \u0026amp; Lawrence to manufacture his new breechloader. This venture continued until 1855.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the Sharps-designed firearms manufactured under this association were the Model 1851 \"Box Lock\" Carbine, which featured the Maynard tape primer system, and the Model 1852 and Model 1853 \"Slanting Breech\" Carbines, which were equipped with the Sharps-patented pellet primer system as an integral part of its breech mechanism. Model 1853 Carbines were nicknamed \"Beecher's Bibles,\" after noted New York clergyman and abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher. Approximately 900 of these arms were shipped in heavy crates marked BIBLES for use by anti-slavery \"Free Soil\" settlers who were fighting against pro-slavery forces in \"Bleeding Kansas\" during the 1850s. One of the most famous Free “Soilers” was John Brown, who later used 300 Model 1853 Carbines in his ill-fated attempt to capture the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in 1859. Christian Sharps served as technical advisor to the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company, receiving royalties on the manufacture of their firearms. His relationship with the company was a rocky one, and in 1853, Sharps severed all connections with the firm. There is no evidence that he ever had any further association with the company that continued to bear his name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1855, the Sharps Company introduced the Model 1855 Carbine. These arms retained the slanting breech and buttstock patch boxes of earlier models, but featured the Maynard tape primer system. Approximately 800 .54 caliber carbines were manufactured for the U.S. government, and an additional 6,000 Model 1855s in .577 caliber were purchased by Great Britain. While these carbines were in production, both Robbins \u0026amp; Lawrence and Sharps suffered serious financial losses. The latter corporation went bankrupt, and their operations were taken over by Sharps and moved to Hartford. The Sharps New Model 1859, introduced in that year, was available as a carbine, and in round-barrel military rifle or octagonal-barrel sporting rifle versions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts straight-breech design is credited to Richard S. Lawrence, formerly of Robbins \u0026amp; Lawrence, who had become the superintendent of the Sharps Rifle Company. This design, in conjunction with a breechblock-mounted plate capable of slight rearward movement when under pressure, created a moderately effective gas seal. New Model 1859 arms also employed an improved version of the Sharps pellet primer system which allowed the pellet feed mechanism to be disengaged. Ordinary percussion caps could then be used, with the supply of pellet primers held in reserve. Like earlier Sharps designs, the Model 1859 fired a glazed linen combustible .52 caliber cartridge. When closed, the breechblock sheared off the rear of the cartridge, exposing the propellant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Civil War, the Federal government bought over 80,000 Sharps carbines and nearly 10,000 Sharps Rifles. These arms were highly regarded by the troops who used them. Sharps Carbines found favor with Federal cavalry troopers, and New Model 1859 Rifles were used with great success by famous infantry units such as Colonel Hiram Berdan's U.S. Sharp Shooters, perhaps the first specialty troops in the history of modern warfare, as well as the 5th New York (Duryea's Zouaves) and the 13th Pennsylvania Reserves (Bucktails). Even the Confederate government recognized the superiority of the New Model 1859 Carbine, contracting with the Richmond firm of S.C. Robinson for the production of 5,000 copies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe New Model 1859 was followed by the New Model 1863 and New Model 1865 Carbines and Rifles. These were nearly identical to the New Model 1859, differing primarily in barrel stampings, the omission of buttstock patchboxes, and in the design or absence of bayonet lugs. Many versions of all three arms were later converted for use with .50-70 and .52-70 caliber metallic cartridge ammunition in the years following the Civil War. The New Model 1869 Carbine and Rifle, available in .44-77, .50-70, and .60 calibers, were the first Sharps arms designed for use with metallic cartridges. In 1874, the firm was reorganized as the Sharps Rifle Co., with operations remaining in Hartford.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1876, manufacturing was moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where it remained until 1881. This period saw the manufacture of some of the more notable of Sharps longarms, beginning with introduction of the Model 1874 Rifle. Nicknamed \"Old Reliable,\" this arm, available in a variety of calibers, barrel lengths, sights, and other features, became a favorite with both Plains buffalo hunters and competition shooters. Many Fancy-Grade models featured engraving which ranged from simple scrollwork to elaborate hunting or western scenes on their surfaces. The Sharps Model 1877 shared in the popularity of its predecessor. These deluxe-grade heavy-barreled .45 caliber rifles were designed specifically for Creedmoor and other long-range target shooters. Only 100 of these were produced, and they are as sought-after today by collectors as they were by competitors at the time of their introduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last rifle to be produced by the Sharps Rifle Company was the Model 1878 Sharps-Borchardt Rifle. This arm was developed by Hugo Borchardt, who later became famous for his automatic pistol designs. These rifles, with their flat-sided frame and hammerless appearance, differ notably from earlier Sharps designs. Like the Model 1874, the Sharps-Borchardt was available in a variety of stocks, barrel lengths and weights, sights, calibers, and other features, including deluxe grade models. These popular rifles were produced until 1881, when the Sharps Rifle Company went bankrupt and ceased operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough his association with the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company ended in 1853, Christian Sharps continued to work as a designer and manufacturer of firearms. He returned to Philadelphia and formed C. Sharps \u0026amp; Co., a manufacturer of percussion revolvers, breechloading single-shot pistols and pistol-rifles, and four-shot pepperbox pistols. In 1862, Sharps entered into a partnership with William Hankins. Their new company, known as Sharps \u0026amp; Hankins, continued to produce pepperbox pistols, as well as the single-shot .52 caliber Model 1861 Navy Rifle and the Model 1862 Carbine, both of which featured sliding breech actions. The partnership was dissolved in 1866, and Sharps reverted to the C. Sharps \u0026amp; Co. name. This firm ceased operations in 1874 with the death of Christian Sharps on March 12 of that year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44987935719493,"sku":"ONJR26MABS010","price":4295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/F9E79958-5255-4E77-BF53-1B95B5417E9F.jpg?v=1778267703","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-excellent-sharps-new-model-1863-vertical-breech-saddle-ring-carbine-serial-80110-unconverted","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}