Guns International #: 102735347
Click Photo to Enlarge![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Guns International #: 102735347
Category - Sharps Rifles - Antique
- Antique Rifles - Single Shot
Early Single Rail Model 1859 Sharps Heavy Barrel Frontier Conversion Rifle Fullstock Percussion Oct Bbl DST 14.5 lbs Wild West History RARE
Description: Fascinating & Very Rare First Contract Model 1859 Sharps "Single Rail" Brass Mounted Percussion US Cavalry Carbine Heavy Barrel Frontier Conversion Rifle with Double Set Triggers, .38 Cal, mfg. 1859. This is by far one of the coolest Sharps rifles we have offered. The Model 1859 (not New Model) comprised the very first contract of straight-breech Sharps carbines purchased by the government and is so rare that it doesn't even appear in Flayderman's guide or most books for that matter. They are unique in that the breechblock features one side rail as opposed to two seen on the improved New Model breech which became standard on all models that followed. Serial numbers for the Model 1859 start at 30000 and transition into New Models around 32000 with the brass furniture continuing briefly into New Model production ("Georgia" carbines will appear in this early New Model range). These guns were issued in 1860 to the 1st & 2nd US Cavalry regiments, or "Jeff Davis Regiments", which had been formed at the request of then US Secretary of War Jefferson Davis five years prior. Ironically Jefferson Davis would of course go on to become president of the Confederate States of America in 1861. The "Jeff Davis Regiments" patrolled the Western frontiers with the 2nd regiment rising to notoriety in Texas battling the Comanche and Apache. An astonishing number of soon to be Civil War generals fought among their ranks including Robert E. Lee, J.E.B. Stuart, Albert Sidney Johnston, George H. Thomas, George B. McClellan, John Sedgwick, and John Bell Hood among many others. With their numbers drastically depleted as soldiers left to fight for the South at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 the units were reorganized as the 4th & 5th US Cavalry regiments which both saw extensive action throughout the conflict. The rifle offered here is an original Model 1859 cavalry carbine that was converted very early on into a heavy barrel sporting rifle. Incredibly it was never altered to fire a metallic cartridge and is still in it's original percussion form. It remains 100% original top to bottom with more genuine frontier charm than you could ever hope for. The heavy octagon barrel measures 29" long and 1 1/4" across the flats. Wide iron base front sight with brass blade, rear sight absent. The frame has heavy surface pitting with a dark chocolate patina while the barrel has largely thinned to bright salt & pepper with fine pinprick pitting scattered throughout. All markings are no longer visible. Original carbine buttstock was shortened and original brass patchbox moved forward. Brass sporting style buttplate with iron toeplate. Fullstock forearm with massive pewter cap. The wood has hints of a rich reddish color with a thick blackened patina formed overall. Minor old surface chips around edges, a few small fine checks or cracks, and old thin chips along the right edge of forearm as pictured. Brass pipes with original wood ramrod (while this is a breechloader some shooter's preferred to load at the muzzle so the rifling would match the ball for improved accuracy). Original carbine sling ring bar is broken on one end, ring missing. Forward upper tang screw absent. Double set triggers appear to be gunsmith made. Given the hard use this rifle saw it is mechanically quite sound. The action is crisp and functions perfectly as do the double set triggers. Breechblock opens and closes very stiff but is secure and locks up tight as a vault (lever tends to drop a bit when closed). Intact original nipple and Maynard priming system is present. Bore has deep, sharp seven-groove rifling front to back with relatively bright lands and moderate frosting scattered throughout. It would only improve with proper cleaning. Rifle weighs a hefty 14 lbs 7 oz. An absolutely wonderful early frontier Sharps rifle with great Western history! Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique arms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique arms" will also include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique arms. Antique arms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique arms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any antique arm shipped to New Jersey or Ohio must ship to a licensed FFL holder, no exceptions. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. Items containing antique ivory will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Antique muzzleloaders and antiques which fire obsolete cartridges may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, credit card (no additional fees), or bank wire. Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. Items are professionally packed and shipped USPS Priority Mail with insurance coverage for the sale price and signature required for delivery. Items valued over $5,000.00 are shipped Registered Mail. Buyer pays actual shipping costs with no added charge for packing materials or handling. We describe items accurately and thoroughly. If an item has been misrepresented or significant defect overlooked you may return it for a full refund (minus return shipping costs) within 3 days of having received it. This timeframe begins once the package is delivered by the carrier. Buyer's remorse or concerns over issues noted in the description and/or pictures is not a valid excuse for return. Returned items must be received in the same condition as originally shipped - cleaning, disassembly, alteration, or damage of any kind will void inspection privileges. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account and any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with Jeremiah Johnson Trading. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All antique arms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. Price: $4,950.00 Antique: Yes Manufacturer: Sharps Model: Model 1859 Barrel Length: 29 Triggers: Double Set Weight: 14 lbs 7 oz Manufacture Date: 1859 Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102735347
Guns International #: 102735347