We picked this one up at the Cown's Auction in April, a New Model 1859 Sharps Carbine! When Abraham Lincoln was elected in November 1860 several southern states began to purchase arms for their militia's in preparation for the anticipated conflict. The state of Georgia contracted with the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company in November 1860 to purchase 2000 of it's patented rifled carbines. By December 1860 Georgia Governor Joseph E. Brown was able to report that 1600 Sharps carbines had been delivered and were in state storage facilities. The remaining 400 carbines were never delivered, but were replaced with the same number of Sharps rifles from W.J. Syms and Brothers of New York City. The New Model 1859 carbines delivered were brass mounted and serial numbered between 31000 and 36000. During the war, these Sharps carbines were issued to the 1st and 5th Georgia Cavalry Regiments. This carbine, serial numbered 35231, is well within that range. The condition of this weapon is amazing! The barrel has been cleaned at some point, but has began to turn a light gray patina. The bore is in good condition, with only light pitting in a couple of spots. The breech and receiver are a darker color grey with no pitting. The saddle bar and ring are present and show moderate wear. The wood is a beautiful chocolate brown with great eye appeal. The stock has a couple of dings and nicks. Nothing major, just mentioned for accuracy. The forearm grip has a crack on the bottom that extends from the base of the grip to approximately 2/3 of the way up. The crack is not completely through, again mentioned for accuracy. The brass barrel band, patch box and and butt plate have all attained a gorgeous golden yellow patina. The weapon stamps are all correct. The barrel is stamped is three places. Stamped between the barrel band and rear sight is SHARPS RIFLE MANUFG CO HARTFORD CONN. The rear sight base is stamped R.S. LAWRENCE PATENTED FEB 15th 1859. Behind the rear sight the last barrel stamp reads NEW MODEL 1859. The right side of the receiver is stamped C. SHARPS' PAT OCT 5th 1852 and behind the hammer R.S. LAWRENCE PAT APRIL 12th 1859. The left side of the receiver is stamped C. SHARPS' PAT SEPT 12th 1848. The breechblock is stamped in two places. The left rear is stamped R.S. LAWRENCE PATENT DEC 20th 1859. The right side is stamped H. CONANT PATENT APR 1st 1856. The barrel and receiver are both marked with the serial number 35231. This is a remarkable example of an early southern used weapon of the Civil War. Confederate Cavalry collector's, especially those from Georgia, don't miss this opportunity! The 1st Georgia Cavalry was one of the hardest fighting units in the western theater, being involved in 175 separate engagements. The unit mustered in at Regimental strength 28 May 1862 with more than 1000 officers and men. Fighting until the end of the war, the 1st Georgia Cavalry was under the command of General Joseph E. Johnston when it was surrendered on 26 April 1865. There were less than 50 officers and men left in the regiment.

Item # AA701

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