{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-sharps-new-model-1859-saddle-ring-carbine-with-confederate-c-r-capt-louis-zimmer-attributed-z-reissue-mark-serial-no-68470","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Sharps New Model 1859 Saddle Ring Carbine with Confederate C\u0026R Capt. Louis Zimmer Attributed “Z” Reissue Mark, Serial No. 68470","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Civil War Sharps New Model 1859 military saddle ring carbine in .52 caliber, serial number \u003cstrong\u003e68470\u003c\/strong\u003e, retaining its original percussion capping breechloader configuration and a particularly significant Confederate Cleaning and Recovery “\u003cstrong\u003eZ\u003c\/strong\u003e” reissue marking on the underside of the buttstock. The carbine has a pleasing matured patina, numerous surviving Sharps and Lawrence patent markings, matching serial numbers on the receiver tang and beneath the fore stock, intact saddle ring and bar, and a very good six groove bore. The buttstock is a later Model 1863 type without a patch box cutout, indicating a period or later component replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe New Model 1859 represented a mature development of the Sharps vertical falling block action, incorporating an improved gas seal and the company’s pellet primer system. Its strong breech design later lent itself well to metallic cartridge conversion, and many Sharps carbines were altered after the Civil War for continued service. This example, however, remains in its original percussion capping breechloader configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most historically interesting feature is found on the underside of the buttstock, immediately below the trigger guard tang, where it is stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis “Z” has been documented among the final inspection markings associated with the Confederate Cleaning and Recovery, or C\u0026amp;R, system used to process captured, collected, and turned-in arms for reissue to Confederate troops. We have compared it to other known examples, and the style, size, and location are an exact match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteven Knott documented these markings in his 2019 study \u003cem\u003e“Captured and Collected” Confederate Reissued Firearms\u003c\/em\u003e. His catalog includes letter marks such as A, F, Q, T, and Z, along with additional symbols, representing final inspection within the Confederate recovery and reissue system. Based on the observed distribution of surviving examples, Knott associated the Z marking with work passing through the Richmond Arsenal \/ Artillery Workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specific inspector responsible for the Z mark has not been conclusively identified. The mark has been proposed as possibly associated with Louis Zimmer, but that identification should be regarded as an attribution rather than established fact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right side of the lock retains substantial patent markings, with the upper line somewhat softened by old oxidation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR.S. LAWRENCE PAT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAPRIL 12TH 1859\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC. SHARPS' PAT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOCT 5TH 1852\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the receiver shows more advanced surface oxidation but retains a crisp:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC. SHARPS PAT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEPT 12TH 1848\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel above the chamber is still marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MODEL 1859\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear sight spring retains its Lawrence patent marking:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\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\u003cp\u003eThe original barrel address immediately forward of the rear sight is now only faintly visible. It originally read:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSHARPS RIFLE\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMANUFG. CO.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHARTFORD. CONN.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe receiver tang and the underside beneath the fore stock are both clearly numbered:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e68470\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eproviding a matching serial number between these components. Approximately 45,000 New Model 1859 carbines were produced through the early Civil War period in the approximate serial range 30000 through 75000. Serial number 68470 falls toward the later portion of that range and is consistent with wartime production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the barrel is also marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG.C\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis marking has been attributed to George Curtis, an ordnance sub-inspector associated with contract arms of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buttstock differs from the standard New Model 1859 configuration. It is a Model 1863 style stock without a patch box and was never inlet for one, although the buttplate itself retains the cutout associated with the earlier patch box arrangement. This indicates that the buttstock is a replacement component rather than original to the carbine’s initial New Model 1859 assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe falling block action presently opens and closes correctly. The lock holds at half cock and releases from full cock. The operating lever latch remains present and functional. The Lawrence pellet primer system appears to retain at least some of its internal components, which are frequently missing on surviving Sharps carbines. The connector between the hammer and primer mechanism has been removed, however, so the system does not cycle with the lock in its present condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe saddle ring bar remains intact with its original style saddle ring present. The metal surfaces have developed a pleasing dark gray and brown patina with evidence of old oxidation and scattered peppering. Some areas have been cleaned following earlier exposure to the elements, but the carbine does not show signs of major overall restoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in very good service used condition. The original six groove rifling remains readily visible, with evidence of normal firing wear together with old fouling and oxidation that has since been cleaned. No major bore damage was observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood remains in good condition with an attractive dark red brown appearance. Both the buttstock and fore stock show the expected dents, dings, scratches, and handling marks associated with long service. Several scratched markings are present on the left side of the buttstock but cannot presently be deciphered. No major stock cracks or repairs were observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its Confederate Cleaning and Recovery Z reissue mark, matching serial number 68470, surviving Sharps and Lawrence patent markings, original percussion capping breechloader configuration, saddle ring and bar, partially retained pellet primer mechanism, and strong six groove bore, this is a particularly compelling Civil War Sharps carbine. The Model 1863 replacement buttstock, altered pellet primer linkage, areas of oxidation and peppering, faint barrel address, and undeciphered stock markings are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Confederate captured and reissued arms, Sharps carbine, Civil War cavalry, Richmond C\u0026amp;R system, or advanced American military firearms collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: c.1862-3\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co.\u003cbr\u003eModel: New Model 1859 Carbine\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\u003cbr\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003cbr\u003e\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.\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":45557910011973,"sku":"ONJR26MYMF026","price":4495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26MYMF026.jpg?v=1786739167","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-sharps-new-model-1859-saddle-ring-carbine-with-confederate-c-r-capt-louis-zimmer-attributed-z-reissue-mark-serial-no-68470","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}