H71.166.22

Sharps. 1859. Single shot rim Cartr. Carbine 50 cal. (Barry Hopp, 1982) Sharps New Model 1859 Carbine--Metallic Cartridge conversion. In production from 1859 through 1866--Converted c. 1867. 52-70 rimfire caliber carbine. Single shot. Breech-loading. 39" overall. 22" round barrel with three groove rifling. Walnut stock. Buttstock measures 15 1/2". Forearm measures 10". Converted from percusion to metallic cartridge breechloader by Sharps, under U. S. government contract. Original percussion models had patch boxes. When buttstock was replaced at time of conversion no patch box was used. Iron mountings. Barrel marked "NEW MODEL 1859." Left side of lock marked "C. SHARPS PAT./SEPT. 12th 1848." Right side marked "R.S.LAWRENCE PAT./APRIL 12th 1859." and "C. SHARPS PAT./OCT 5th 1852." Inspector cartouches, bearing initials "DFC" on buttstock.

Used: single shot ~ firearm