This is an 1859 New Model Sharps carbine used during the Civil War that has been converted for 50-70 center fire metallic cartridges. After the Civil War there were thousands of percussion weapons in the US Army inventory. The US government decided to convert many of them to metallic cartridge breechloaders. In 1867 the Sharps carbine was one of the weapons selected for conversion. Contracts were awarded to the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. to alter carbines of their manufacture. A total of 31,098 New Model 1859's, 63's and 65's were converted. In addition to the normal inspector marking on the Sharps percussion carbines, an additional stamp of DFC in a ribbon cartouche was placed in the center of the left stock. The converted carbines can be found in tow different types, one type has the original six groove bore and the other has a relined bore with three groove rifling. All conversions were refinished by the factory. When needed, original stocks were replaced with ones that had no patchbox. These carbines were converted, reissued and saw considerable service during the Indian Wars. This converted carbine is in fine condition. It has an overall length of 39", with a barrel length of 22". The barrel retains nearly 100% of the bluing and has a smooth surface. The original front brass blade sight is present, as well as the rear leaf sight that is graduated out to 800 yards. Under the rear sight the barrel is stamped R.S. LAWRENCE/PATENTED/FEB. 15th, 1859. The stamp on the barrel behind the rear sight is all but gone. The only thing that remains is the M from MODEL. This barrel has the relined 3 groove bore, and it is in mint condition! All the remaining metal parts have a matching, smooth plum finish. The single barrel band, breech, and breech retaining pin have sub inspector marks. The mechanics of the receiver work perfectly. The receiver is stamped in two places on the right side. One stamp reads R.S.LAWRENCE PAT/APRIL 12th, 1859 behind the hammer. The other stamp, in the center of the receiver, reads C.SHARP'S PAT/OCT 5th, 1852. The left side is stamped C SHARPS' PAT/SEPT. 12th, 1848. All stamps are deep and crisp. The saddle bar and ring are tight to the receiver. The butt plate is all that remains to identify this as a Model 1859. Though the stock has been replaced to get rid of the patchbox, the cut out in the butt plate for the patchbox cover is easily recognizable. The serial number of 63804 is crisply stamped in the receiver tang and the bottom of the barrel. The fore stock shows a few dings from handling. It has no cracks or wood loss. The replacement stock is darker than the fore stock. It shows signs of definite use, several nicks and dings on both sides, but again, no cracks or wood loss. In the center of the left stock comb is the cartouche of David F. Clark, DFC in a ribbon. We have had numerous New Model 1859 Sharps percussion carbines in the shop, and a couple of conversions. This is without a doubt the best of the lot! If you have an Indian Wars collection this one will never need an upgrade.

Item # AA1201

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