Original Item: Only One Available. Well this just takes the cake! We have had several examples of the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 carbine before, most were totally devoid of the original leather cover. This example however still has at least 90% of the leather cover, and we can only think of one that had a cover better than this example. It is mostly complete from breech to front sight, and still has most of the "cup" that goes under the front of the lower receiver and lever, though it is torn through on the left side and shows small tears on the right. It also is missing just a bit near the breech, and does not go around the securing screws anymore.

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 a and moves easily, with a functional locking piece.

The carbine has seen service and cleaning to remove oxidation, which has produced a mottled patina on the action. We do not however see any major oxidation such as pitting, so this carbine does not look to have been excessively exposed to corrosive sea air. It has a great lightly aged look, showing it was "really" there, but still well cared for. The right side of the frame still has a clear maker address marking:-

Left side frame shows the patent stamp, which is somewhat roughly stamped:-

Additionally, this carbine is marked just behind the patent marking with P / WCW, the proof of William C. Wise. This marking was added during a post war serviceability inspection at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, most likely after service in the shallow water "Brown Water Navy". All lock screws look to be original and in very good condition, with many showing some damage to the flathead channel. Serial 9150 is clear and stamped onto the upper plate tang, on the bottom of the barrel, and on the underside of the receiver under the loading lever, though the lever marking is missing or worn away. 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 they match well in terms of patination.

Carbine has crisp mechanics, though it can be a bit stiff due to age. The sliding safety near the hammer is is still present and fully functional, though a bit loss. 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 as well. The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. 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 dark brown color and nice grain. It does show dents, dings, scratches, and there is what looks to be a repaired crack on the right side near the receiver. There is also a small chunk missing by the upper tang, and the channel for the lower tang has erosion along much of the length due to rust exposure. 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 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 great example of an original cover, and are unlikely to find a better one anytime soon. 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.

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.