For Sale: Sharps New Model 1863 Carbine, percussion

The Sharps New Model 1863 carbine belongs to a well-respected and popular series of New Model rifles and carbines produced by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. in Hartford, CT. The New Model 1859, 1863, and 1865 comprise this percussion series with the first two models seeing wide use during the Civil War and all models (plus new Sharps model additions) playing a large role in western expansion. All New Models are considered straight breech models, have the Sharps pellet priming system built into the lock plate, and are .52 caliber.

For sale here is a good-looking Sharps New Model 1863 carbine that shows appropriate wear for its age.  Marks on the barrel, breech, and tang are worn but readable.  The New Model 1863 was produced with and without a buttstock patchbox; this example having no patchbox.  The butt plate is cut to receive a pacthbox door.  The walnut stock has some minor handling marks, a slight crack trailing off the left side of the tang, and a repair to the lower corner near the butt plate.  No cartouches are visible.  Rear carbine saddle ring bar mount marked ‘L.D’, presumably for U.S. inspector L. Dustin.

The action, which works as intended, is strong and crisp and the breech is tight.  The original six-groove bore is bright and clean with a few small areas of pitting towards the breech and rifling that is well-defined. Overall, this Sharps New Model 1863 carbine is an arm with history that makes for a nice representative piece in a Sharps collection or an excellent shooter.  See pictures for overall condition. Antique.  Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of an antique rifle before purchasing this item.