Original Item: Only One Available. Well this just takes the cake! We have had several examples of the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 carbine before, but never one this early! It is in fact a "1st Model", one of only 750 made in this configuration for the initial deliveries of the Naval Rifles and Carbines. The Sharps & Hankins design featured several "firsts" for U.S. Military arms, including being the first gun where the hammer struck a floating firing pin held in the frame, however the first 750 did not have this feature, and instead had a removable firing pin attached to the hammer. However, these still retain another first: a safety to prevent the hammer from making contact with the primer until fully cocked.

Additionally, this example still retains over 80% of the original leather cover, which are most often completely missing. It is mostly complete from breech to front sight, still retaining both securing screws at the end. The only major part missing is the "cup" that goes under the front of the lower receiver and lever. It definitely shows wear and cracking, but displays beautifully.

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 40 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 is fitted with 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. This is still present and moves easily, though the sliding locking piece is frozen in place.

The carbine has seen long service and much cleaning, and the exposed portions of the metalwork show evidence of past peppered oxidation, now partly cleaned away, and there is a mottled patina on the lower receiver. This definitely looks to be a Naval carbine that was exposed to the ocean air over a long period, causing surface oxidation overall. This gives it a lovely aged look, showing it was "really there. The right side of the frame still has a clear maker address marking:-

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

All lock screws look to be original and in very good condition, with some showing some damage to the flathead channel. Very early serial 634 is clear and stamped onto 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. We do not see any evidence that any parts have been swapped out over the years, and there are no signs of damage or repairs.

Carbine has crisp mechanics, though it can be a bit stiff due to age. The hammer correctly holds at half cock, firing only at full, and the sliding safety near the hammer is is still present and fully functional. The firing pin is in great shape, and shows only light use. The breech latch button is intact and fully functional as well. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves, definitely a bit of a contrast from the condition of the exterior. There is some wear and evidence of past fouling, now cleaned away, but it's definitely a great bore considering it was a black powder era gun that saw service at sea!

The black walnut stock is very good condition, with a lovely color and grain. It shows light wear including dent and dings, but no major damage, and looks to have been varnished in the past to protect it. This finish is still well-retained, flaking off a bit near the grip area. There are some hairline cracks running back from the receiver tang, but no other damage, issues, or repairs we can see. The rear sling swivel is still present, moving easily, and the brass butt plate is in fine condition, all as shown in in the pictures.

This rare early Sharps & Hankins 1st 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. We have never had one this early before, and are unlikely to see another anytime soon, especially with the leather cover and lovely bore!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1862
Caliber: .52"
Cartridge Type: Rimfire
Barrel Length: 23 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 40 5/8 Inches
Action type: Lever action Sliding Breech
Feed System: Single Shot

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.