For Sale: Sharps Model 1855 British Contract Carbine

The Sharps Model 1855 British contract carbine is similar to the U.S. Model 1855 carbine and, although manufactured in greater numbers, are as difficult to find because all were issued and saw field use in the British Empire. The British contract with Sharps came about as the Crimean War (1853-1856) created a need for arms within the British military. After reviewing example firearms sent by Sharps, and the usual negotiations that followed, the British government ultimately ordered 6,000 carbines, which were all shipped in 1856.

Sharps Model 1855 British contract carbines fall into two groups of about 3000 carbines: those with 21-inch barrels and those with 19-inch barrels; both are chambered in the .577 British military caliber with 3-groove rifling. (Note: one will see a length of 18-inches for the latter group as British Ordnance regulations stipulated measuring the barrel from muzzle to front of the receiver.) The Maynard tape priming system is installed on the right side of the receiver. An iron barrel band is installed instead of the brass bands used by the U.S. Model 1855. Both the butt plate and patch box remained brass. An iron stud with iron blade forms the front sight and a British style four leaf sight the rear. A 3 ¼-inch saddle ring bar is mounted on the left side of the receiver and stock wrist. All will have British inspection and proof marks, and some may have unit markings.

The British Model 1855 carbine presented here has a 19-inch round barrel with 3-groove rifling in .577 caliber. The address on the barrel is absent, which is correct for at least some examples of this contract model. The lock plate is also unmarked. ‘SHARPS/PATENT/1848’ is stamped on the upper tang, near the receiver, and is followed by the serial number and the British Crown. The Maynard tape primer system door is marked ‘EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE 1845.’. Unit marking ‘K.D.G/492’ is stamped on the upper butt plate tang and indicates this carbine was issued to the King’s Dragoon Guards as carbine number 492. The assembly number ‘78’ is stamped inside the patch box lid and the patch box is carved out deeper than original boxes, perhaps by the soldier using the carbine. Under the forearm, on the bottom of the barrel, is a partial crown stamp, followed toward the rear by the SN matching the tang, an offset ‘YO’, and then a sideways ‘2’ stamp. The forearm channel is stamped a ‘492’ that matches the arm’s issue number on the butt plate. The rear face of the breechblock carries a partial marking which might read ‘N.H.N.T’ over ‘?JUNI 1’ OVER ‘6’. No markings are visible on the walnut stock and forearm.

The metal surfaces are aged evenly plum brown with some areas of light pitting and service marks scattered throughout. Patches of pitting are scattered throughout the bore, which is generally semi-bright and has sharp, deep rifling. Two front leaves are missing on the rear site. The forearm, butt stock, and butt plate are all in good shape with some service handling marks. The action is strong with secure clicks at half- and full cock, the breech opens/closes smoothly with no resistance, the breechblock fits tightly when closed, and the trigger pull is good. The Maynard tape priming system internal parts are activated when the hammer is pulled back.

Overall, an attractive example of the Sharps Model 1855 British contract carbine and one that is identified to a service unit. This carbine nicely fills a Sharps collect in need of a representative of the last Sharps slant breech model and/or a British contract arm.

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.