All pictures of the guns are made by myself with professional photo studio light. If you are interested in buying a piece showing on this page please don’t hesitate to ask.

History of the Sharps Carbine.

The 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. 

This 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.

The 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.

Christian 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.

In 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 & Lawrence to manufacture his new breechloader. This venture continued until 1855.

Among 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.

In 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 & 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.

Its straight-breech design is credited to Richard S. Lawrence, formerly of Robbins & 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.

During 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 to produce 5,000 copies.

The 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.

In 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 long-arms, 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.

The 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.

Although 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 & Co., a manufacturer of percussion revolvers, breechloading single-shot pistols and pistol-rifles, and four-shot pepperbox pistols. In 1862, Sharps entered a partnership with William Hankins. Their new company, known as Sharps & 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 & Co. name. This firm ceased operations in 1874 with the death of Christian Sharps on March 12 of that year.

Sharps New Model 1859 conversion carbine.

An original military issued New Model 1859 Military Vertical Breech Carbine, converted to .50-70 Government caliber, serial number 81400. This carbine features the 1868 conversion with the cam-action firing pin. It still shows some of the original finish, the buttstock and forend are in fine shape, the buttstock has two visible inspector cartouches. The bore is also in very fine condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish.

The falling block action lent itself to conversion to the new metallic cartridges developed in the late 1860’s, so many were converted in the late 1860’s and were used during the Indian Wars in the decades immediately following the Civil War. The original Sharps barrel has been swopped for an new Arsenal barrel, the original was probably worn out.

The receiver and lockplate has none of the original case colors left, and the markings are still there and readable.
Markings on the lockplate:

R.S. LAWRENCE PAT
APRIL 12TH 1859

Readable, with some figures gone

SHARPS' PAT
OCT 5TH 1852

Readable, with some figures gone.

The left side of the receiver has about 50% the text left:

SHARPS PAT
SEPT 12TH 1848

No markings on the barrel, only underneath the forend the barrel has some inspection figures stamped, cause they changed the original barrel to an unmarked Arsenal new one.

The original rear sight is still fully intact and functional, marking reads:

R.S. LAWRENCE
PATENTED
FEB 15TH 1859

A clear serial number is marked on the receiver top-tang:

81400

There were approximately 45,000 of this model made during the 1860-1863 period. The walnut wood stocks are in excellent condition, with a lovely color and great grain. They show almost no wear, and it looks that they were replaced at arsenal during the conversion to .50-70 Gov't. The butt stock is in the Model 1863 configuration including the butt plate which lacks the cutout for the patch box. The left side of the butt stock has two cartouches:

D.F.C. (D.F.C.) left side in the middle of the buttstock. David F. Clark was an employee of the Springfield Armory who worked as an inspector.

R.T.S. (R.T.S) left side stock at wrist. Reuben T. Safford was an employee of the Springfield Armory who worked as an inspector inside the armory. Safford’s cartouches are only found on the Sharps 50-70 conversions.

S.W. Stamped on the bottom front side forend. Sam Williams was a civilian who worked probably 2 years as inspector during the Civil War. It was discovered that in December 1864 Sharps ordered, a set of inspection stamps, by the Springfield Armory, with his initials for carbine work. There are only a few guns known who bear his initials and this is one of them.

The barrel has some factory blue left, which is changing into a pepper and saltish patina. The 3-groove bore has strong lands and grooves and is shiny, there are a few minor spots of pitting at back in front of the chamber. But it’s still in very fine to excellent condition.

Originally this carbine was set up for tape "pellet" primers, and still has the housing for this system, though it has had the internals removed. The action cycles well, with the ejector presenting well, and the firing pin resetting when the breech is opened. The hammer still holds correctly at half cock, firing at full.

A great example of a Civil War Carbine, reissued for use during the Indian Wars. would be a great example in a Civil / Indian War collection.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1860-1863
Caliber: .50-70 Government

Conversion type: 1868 conversion
Ammunition Type: Center Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot

Sharps New Model 1859 conversion carbine.

This is a great example of an original New Model 1859 Military Vertical Breech Carbine, converted to .50-70 Government caliber, serial number 60277. This features a later version of the Sharps action with an improved gas seal and vertical breech. It still shows almost all of the original finish, and the stocks are in fantastic shape, they lack inspector cartouches! The bore is also in new like condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish. Definitely one of the better bores I have seen on a Sharps!

The falling block action lent itself to conversion to the new metallic cartridges developed in the late 1860’s, so many were converted in the late 1860’s and were used during the Indian Wars in the decades immediately following the Civil War. It looks like the barrel was completely refinished when it was removed for conversion, while the receiver was not.

This carbine has almost all of the original case colored finish on the receiver, and the markings are almost all clear.
Markings on the lockplate:

R.S. LAWRENCE PAT
APRIL 12TH 1859

Remnants of this text are visible because of the hammer; by cocking the hammer the hammer goes over this spot.

SHARPS' PAT
OCT 5TH 1852

Looks like it was stamped today.

The left side of the receiver still has a clear marking as well:

SHARPS PAT
SEPT 12TH 1848

Faint markings on the barrel above the chamber read:

NEW MODEL 1859

The original rear sight is still fully intact and functional, marking reads:

R.S. LAWRENCE
PATENTED
FEB 15TH 1859

A clear serial number is marked on the receiver top-tang:

60277

There were approximately 45,000 of this model made during the 1860-1863 period, serial numbers 30000 to 75000. This example has a mid to high serial number, so it is probably made in 1861-1862. The walnut wood stocks are in excellent condition, with a lovely color and great grain. They show almost no wear, and it looks that they were replaced at arsenal during the conversion to .50-70 Gov't. The butt stock is in the Model 1863 configuration including the butt plate which lacks the cutout for the patch box.The left side of the butt stock has no cartouches; seen the condition of this gun it looks like this one never left the arsenal after the conversion.

The barrel bears very faint serial number 60277 on the underside with additional other proof marks. This indicates that this carbine was converted to .50-70, which required replacement of the barrel to one compatible with the new centerfire cartridge. They were removed and converted, but often not re-mounted on the same frame, however this one was. This carbine has his original percussion era barrel with three lands and grooves.

Originally this carbine was set up for tape "pellet" primers, and still has the housing for this system, though it has had the internals removed. The action cycles well, with the ejector presenting well, and the firing pin resetting when the breech is opened. The hammer still holds correctly at half cock, firing at full.

A great example of a Civil War Carbine, reissued for use during the Indian Wars.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1860-1863
Caliber: .50-70 Government

Conversion type: 1868 conversion
Ammunition Type: Center Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot

Sharps New Model 1863 conversion carbine.

Sharps Model 1868 Carbine or Sharps New Model 1863 Metallic Cartridge Conversion carbine. Serial number C2387 uppertang and C3387 under barrel (factory error), the C prefix (Roman numeral 100) designates the serial number 100.000: C2387 is 102387. Caliber 50-70 Government, standard 22” round barrel with six groove rifling and about 65-70% original blue remaining with 50% case colour on frame. Stock is in excellent condition with 3 original cartouches: “TWR” Thomas W. Russel twice left side stock and the extra inspector conversion cartouche “DFC” David F. Clark. Standard front and rear sight. Mechanically perfect with a near mint bore. This gun was converted in 1868, it has the improved cam-action firing pin and bevelled hammer. A gun with a lot of history. This Carbine was originally sold to U.S. Government on April 23, 1864.
A total of 31.098 Model 1859, 1863 and 1865 carbines were returned by the U.S. Government to Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. and converted from percussion to metallic cartridges in 1867 and 1868 for use on the Western front during the Indian Wars.

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1863-1865
Caliber: .50-70 Government
Ammunition Type: Center Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot

Sharps New Model 1865 carbine.

This is a great example of an original New Model 1865 Military Vertical Breech Carbine, converted to .50-70 Government caliber, serial number C, 47171. This carbine features the 1868 conversion with the cam-action firing pin. It still shows almost all of the original finish on the receiver and slotplate, the stocks are in fantastic condition and have two inspector cartouches.

Left side of the stock near the receiver:
T.W.R. which is from Thomas W. Russell

Left side stock in the middle:
D.F.C. which is from Davis F. Clark

The 3-groove bore is in very fine condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish.

The falling block action lent itself to conversion to the new metallic cartridges developed in the late 1860’s, so many were converted in the late 1860’s and were used during the Indian Wars in the decades immediately following the Civil War. It looks like the barrel was refinished when it was removed for conversion, barrel has no barrel address and model markings, the original arsenal blue finish turned in to a plum color. This carbine has almost all of the original case colored finish on the receiver, and the markings are almost all clear.
Markings on the lockplate:

R.S. LAWRENCE PAT
APRIL 12TH 1859

Remnants of this text are visible because of the hammer; by cocking the hammer the hammer goes over this spot.

SHARPS' PAT
OCT 5TH 1852

Is still there with some parts of tekst missing.

The left side of the receiver still has a clear marking as well:

SHARPS PAT
SEPT 12TH 1848

The original rear sight is still fully intact and functional, marking reads:

R.S. LAWRENCE
PATENTED
FEB 15TH 1859

A clear serial number is marked on the receiver top-tang:

C, 47171

Little has known about the New Model 1865 Military carbines and rifles. They are nearly indistinguishable from the New Model 1863 arms, other than the model designation stamped on the barrel and a dished bridge on the receiver of late production New Model 1865. The receiver bridge on most New Model 1865 Military carbines is identical to those found on New Model 1859 and New Model 1863 receivers. Inexplicably, late production New Model 1865 Military carbines had a sculpted (dished) look to the receiver bridge nearest the barrel. That makes this example an early one. There were approximately 5000 carbines of this model made. The walnut wood stocks are in excellent condition, with a lovely color and great grain and almost no wear. The butt stock is in the Model 1863 configuration including the butt plate which lacks the cutout for the patch box. The left side of the butt stock has two cartouches.

The barrel bears very faint not matching serial number on the underside with additional other proof marks. This indicates that this carbine was converted to .50-70 Government, which required replacement of the barrel to one compatible with the new centerfire cartridge. They were removed and converted, but often not re-mounted on the same frame, like this one. This carbine has an original percussion era barrel with three lands and grooves, with another serial number.

Originally this carbine was set up for tape "pellet" primers, and still has the housing for this system, though it has had the internals removed. The action cycles well, with the ejector presenting well, and the firing pin resetting when the breech is opened. The hammer still holds correctly at half cock, firing at full.

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1864-1865
Caliber: .50-70 Government

Conversion type: 1868 conversion
Ammunition Type: Center Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action: Lever Action Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot

This is a well sought example of a Civil War Era Carbine with only 5000 made and not so many known in collections makes it a rare item.
Will fit in any Civil and Indian War collection.

All weapons shown here are considered as antiques and do not require a license according to Article 18 RWM in Dutch weapons regulations.