For Sale: Sharps Forager Shotgun, 20 ga

This is an unusual Sharps forager shotgun in that it falls into a small group known as the “double conversion” shotgun. According to Sellers, these carbines were originally New Model 1863 or 1865 percussion arms that were sold to the military during the Civil War. Post war, ca. 1867, the military contracted with Sharps to convert stores percussion rifles and carbines to use self-contained metallic cartridges. In the late 1870s, when the military was updating their arms once again, these conversions were sold off, with many going to the big dealers of the time, including F. Bannerman. In addition to selling these conversions on the open market, the dealers would also modify and/or sporterized them as they saw fit for the commercial market. In this case, the original New Model 1863 military conversion was again altered to become a shotgun.  Sellers refers to these arms as “double conversions” and often they still carry many of their original percussion markings.

Presented here is an example of one such “double conversion”. Manufactured as a New Model 1863 percussion carbine during the war, the carbine was then converted to metallic cartridge under the military contract, and then again to a 20-gauge forager shotgun. F. Bannerman began these forager conversions ca. 1903, and are the most well-known and common ones found. This Sharps forager shotgun still retains faint remnants of the original New Model 1863 barrel marking, serial number on the tang, as well as the patent markings on the receiver and lock plate. The lock plate has the proper percussion thickness of 3/8 of an inch.  The primer system was ground off, a common modification intended to make the lock plate similar to the Model 1874 lock plate in appearance. The milling for the primer system is visible under the hammer. Both the 22-inch barrel (smooth bore) and breech are milled for use with 2 ¾ -inch, 20-gauge shotgun shells of the era (the original shells were different than modern versions and we do not recommend shooting modern shell in this arm without careful research and discussion with a knowledgeable gunsmith). The hammer is the original percussion type that was tapered to meet the cam during metallic cartridge conversion. During the conversion to shotgun, the saddle ring was removed (as is seen on other examples) but the saddle ring bar remains. The walnut stock and forearm are original as is the iron patch box.

Markings on this Sharps forager shotgun includes a partial ‘863’ of the New Model 1863 barrel marking, a partial ‘PAT/H. 1848’ of the receiver C. SHARPS PAT./SEPT 12TH 1848 patent mark, and very worn but legible ‘C. SHARPS’ PAT/OCT 5TH 1852.’ lock plate mark. An ‘F’ is found on the barrel, left side flat, just forward of the breech and the serial number on the tang remains strong with some wear to the first and last numbers (8 and 6 respectively). A number ‘3’ and what looks like a ‘7’ are marked on the top of the collar, forward of the index mark, with the same mark appearing on the rear face of the breech block. Under the rear sight leaf, the base is marked with a worn ‘R.S. LAWRENCE/PATENTED/FEB 15TH 1859’. On the barrel, under the forearm are ‘26’ forward and above the serial number (matching to the tang SN) followed to the rear by an undecipherable mark and a ‘3’. On the extractor, near the lever hinge pin hole, is the number ‘20’. Seen inside the patch box are letters, possibly ‘JJMC’ or ‘JRNC’. The patch box door is marked ‘E’. Inside the forearm, under the barrel is another interesting mark. The first word is not very apparent but could be ‘OCT’. This is followed by a clear ’13 1907’, date that puts this arm within the timeframe Bannerman converted Sharps carbines to shotguns.

In terms of condition, this Sharps forager shotgun presents with a historic and aged look with a dark grey to brown patina and patches of minor pitting on metal surfaces. Handling marks are found throughout both metal and wood, including some punch type marks on the butt stock. The stock wood has a minor repair forward of the butt plate tang, and a small hair line crack emanating from the left side of the upper tang, behind the rear screw. Areas of pitting are found within the semi-bright smooth bore and are concentrated towards the breech and chamber. The cam block with firing pin is a modern Model 1874 reproduction. The action is strong and clicks into full cock crisply, while half-cock clicks, but does not hold. The breech operates smoothly, and is tight when closed.

This is a nice example of a Sharps conversion variant with an interesting backstory and although never issued in its current form, will fit well into any Sharps collection as a unique piece.

See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of antique firearms before purchasing this item.