Antique Sharps 1859 New Model Rifle - Civil War Martial - Good Cartouches

This is very nice example of an early 1859 New Model Sharps Infantry Rifle chambered in original .52 percussion that was a government purchase and issued during the Civil War. The gun is totally complete and functional and bears two comparatively crisp inspector cartouches on the wrist, a very sharp cartouche on the left side of the buttstock and two sets of inspector initials on the buttstock ahead of the buttplate and on the forearm by the breech. Usually these are worn down from use and cleaning, but these are remarkably sharp all things considered.

The gun is an early serial number and falls within the Berdan 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooter range, however this example has a single trigger and lever locking latch. Certainly issued in 1862 or early 1863, and possibly to the 13th Pennsylvania “Bucktails” who are known to have been armed with the 1859 New Model in this serial range.

The stock is very good overall and features “VA” carved near the patchbox and what appears to read “JL - 1863” on the forearm between the forward two barrel bands. Only issue I can see is an old possible repair near the tang and lockplate. Steel is good with some pitting, dings and mars and wears a dry finish. I see no active rust. The action functions well and the nipple is good, the breechblock shows more significant pitting.

Overall a very good example, better than most, of these desirable and well regarded rifles, certainly issued during the early part of the Civil War.