Original Item: Only One Available. We have had multiple examples of the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 carbine before, and the vast majority seen are totally devoid of the original leather cover. This example also lost the leather covering, and is also missing the two screws at the rear of the barrel that would secure it. There is however definitely evidence that it did have a cover installed for many years, which most likely rotted away, after which oxidation was cleaned off of the barrel.

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 retains the correct 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 a lovely aged look the metalwork, showing overall light oxidation and staining, but no major rust issues. We can see on the barrel marks from probably a heavy wire wheel or similar from removal of the rust that was under the leather cover, giving it a very interesting texture. There are some areas of the action, particularly inside, that retain some of the original blued and case colored finish. This definitely looks to be a Naval carbine that was exposed to the ocean air for a time, but was relatively well cared for. This gives it a lovely aged patina, 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:

All lock screws look to be original and in very good condition, with some showing just a bit of damage to the flathead channels. Matching Serial number 11338 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. We do not see any evidence that any parts have been swapped out over the years.

Carbine has crisp mechanics, with the hammer properly holding at half cock, firing only at full. The sliding safety on the rear of the breech is is still present and fully functional, though a bit loose. The hammer functions correctly, hitting the firing pin on the back of the chamber without issue, and the firing pin moves easily. The breech latch button is intact, however it does not hold the loading lever securely at some times due to the spring being weak and there is also what looks to be a repair to the loading lever where the hook is.

The bore is in very good, near excellent condition, showing a mostly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is some past fouling, now removed, and we can see some where, but this is really an exceptional bore for a black powder Naval Carbine, which shows the six groove rifling clearly. The American 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. Brass butt plate in fine condition, all as shown in in the pictures, though the rear sling swivel is missing, leaving only the bolster.

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. This is a lovely example, which a patina that simply cannot be identified and a great bore. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1863-64
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.