Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Civil War Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Naval Carbine chambered for the No. 56 .52 caliber rimfire cartridge, serial number 11525. It is the distinctive Navy pattern with sliding breech action and evidence of the original black leather barrel covering, though the leather itself has long since deteriorated and is no longer present. The carbine retains matching serial markings on the principal numbered components, its correct tangent style rear sight, strong mechanical function apart from a frozen firing pin, and an attractive service used patina.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 was a metallic cartridge breechloading arm designed by Christian Sharps and manufactured by Sharps & Hankins of Philadelphia during the Civil War. The Navy pattern is especially recognizable by its absence of a conventional fore stock and by the black leather covering originally fitted around the barrel to help protect the metal from maritime exposure.

This example no longer retains the leather barrel covering, but both rear retaining screws remain present. The barrel surface also shows evidence consistent with having been covered for an extended period before the leather deteriorated and the resulting oxidation was later cleaned.

The carbine measures approximately 40 5/8" overall and is fitted with a 23 3/4" barrel. The barrel has no wooden fore end, as correct for the naval pattern. Operation is by a sliding breech system. Pressing the small finger release and working the lever allows the barrel to move forward for loading and extraction of the metallic rimfire cartridge.

The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and the correct tangent style rear sight graduated to 800 yards. The rear sight leaf pivots at the front and rises forward in an arc. The sight is in good condition, though it is a bit loose in the dovetail. The locking slider also is currently seized.

The right side of the receiver is clearly marked:

SHARPS
&
HANKINS
PHILADA.

The left side is marked:

SHARPS
PATENT
1859

The matching serial number:

11525

is stamped on the upper tang, underside of the barrel, underside of the receiver beneath the loading lever, and on the lever itself. Most of these markings are visible only when the breech is opened. The repeated serial number strongly supports the continued association of the principal numbered parts.

Most of the screws appear original, though several show some slot damage from past disassembly. The rearmost screw on the left side of the receiver is a brass replacement.

The metalwork has an attractive aged appearance with overall light oxidation and staining but no major active rust described. Small protected areas within the action still retain traces of original blue and case colored finish, while other internal surfaces show old oxidation. The overall appearance is consistent with prolonged service and maritime exposure followed by later cleaning, giving the carbine a well developed period patina.

When operated by hand, the hammer holds properly at half cock and releases from full cock. The breech latching mechanism functions and the action opens and closes without any major issue noted. The sliding safety at the rear of the breech is missing. The hammer strikes the rear of the chamber as intended, but the firing pin itself is rust frozen and does not move freely. The bore retains clearly visible six groove rifling. There is evidence of old fouling and oxidation that has since been cleaned away, and the lands show substantial wear consistent with significant service use.

The American black walnut stock remains in very good condition with attractive color and grain. It shows only light wear and no major cracks or repairs. A varnished finish is still present. No inspection cartouches are visible on the stock. The brass buttplate remains in fine condition. The rear sling swivel is present, though it may be a replacement fitted into the original bolster.

With its matching serial number 11525, sliding breech action, Navy pattern configuration, surviving leather covering screws, clear Sharps & Hankins markings, correct tangent rear sight, six groove bore, and service used naval patina, this is a particularly appealing Civil War Sharps & Hankins carbine. The missing leather barrel cover, missing sliding safety, rust frozen firing pin, brass replacement receiver screw, cleaned oxidation, worn rifling, and possibly replaced rear sling swivel are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a U.S. Civil War naval arms, Sharps & Hankins, metallic cartridge carbine, Federal Navy, or advanced 19th century American firearms collection.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1863-64
Caliber: .52"
Maker: Sharps & Hankins
Model: 1862 Naval Carbine
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
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: 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.

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.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

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.