Archive for Rifles

Sharps New Model Carbine With metallic Cartridge Conversion

43. Sharps New Model Carbine With metallic Cartridge Conversion – Serial number C24213, caliber 50-70, 22 inch round barrel, blue/color case hardened, finish, walnut stock. This is an example of one of the 31,098 Civil War Sharps new Model 1863 Carbines converted by Sharps to fire the 50-70 centerfire cartridge. This carbine has the original six groove barrel. These carbines were completely refurbished by Sharps during the conversion process and if needed the stocks were replaced with ones not having a patch box, which is the case with this example. The barrels were blued with casehardened barrel band, receiver, lever hammer and buttplate. The sling bar and ring were finished bright. This carbine has a brass front sight blade and folding, adjustable leaf rear sight with a very faintly Lawrence patent marked base graduated to 800 yards. It has the standard percussion Lawrence pellet priming system. The top of the barrel is marked with the three line Sharps address ahead of the rear sight and “NEW MODEL 1863” at the breech and the left rear is marked with an “F” and “E.A.W.” inspection marks. The lock is marked with the Sharps and R. S. Lawrence patent markings and the left side of the frame is marked with the Sharps patent marking with the serial number on the upper tang. Mounted with a smooth oil finished black walnut forearm and straight grip stock absent of any cartouches. The Sharps .50-70 metallic conversion carbines were widely issued to the U. S. Cavalry including the 10th and 7th Cavalry regiments on the frontier after the Civil War and remained in service until they were replaced by the .45-70 Springfield Carbine.

CONDITION: Arsenal refinished with a smooth mottled brown patina now on all of the metal surfaces. The wood has been re-oiled since that time and remains very good with some minor age cracking in the toe area and some minor scattered dents and dings. The markings are clear and this fine piece of American history is mechanically excellent…$2,850.00.