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ISSUED AND IDENTIFIED Sharps Model 1863 Percussion Rifle with Provenance
Guns International #: 101576479 Seller's Inventory #: S-6
Category: Sharps Rifles - Antique - Civil War Rifles
Seller's Information
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Seller: CNY Collectibles
Company: CNY Collectibles
Member Since: 8/24/10
First Name: Doug
Last Name: Buschatzke
State: New York
Zip: 13421-1833
Country: United States
Phone: (315) 251-4799
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 4
Total Number of Listings: 737
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Buyer pays return shipping fees
Payment Types Accepted: Personal check, USPS Money Order, Certified Check
About Us: We have been collectors and dealers for over 30 years. We take pride in the items we sell and know that your hard-earned money is tough to part with, so you will receive a 3-day, non-firing money back guarantee if not satisfied. Your investment will be very carefully packed to arrive safely. With over 2000 positive sales from multiple sites, you can shop worry-free!
Description:
Joy E. Johnson was born in 1839 in Herkimer, NY, a small Central New York town in the Mohawk Valley between Utica and Albany. At the age of 23, he enlisted on May 1, 1861 at Herkimer, NY as a 1st Sergeant, and mustered into Company G, 34th NY Infantry on June 15, 1861. The 34th NY signed on for a two year enlistment. On December 2, 1861, Johnson was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. On March 3, 1862, he was promoted to Captain, and was at this rank when the 34th was involved in the nation's bloodiest day at Antietam (Sharpsburg) on September 17, 1862. The 34th moved from the East Woods through the West Woods and into the area on both sides of the famous Dunker Church. Facing Stonewall Jackson's men in front of it, the 34th was the very left end of the Union line, and was promptly flanked by Barksdale's Mississippi Brigade, thus forced to retreat back beyond the East Woods. In just 40 minutes of engagement, the 34th lost 43 killed and 74 wounded. Johnson survived the Antietam bloodbath, as well as the Union debacle at Fredericksburg and fought to the end of the enlistment, mustering out on June 30, 1863 (yes, the day before Gettysburg started). Late in 1864, as the Civil War was floundering as a war of attrition, the Union decided to muster in units comprised of hardened veterans, known as the Veteran Volunteers, to be led by Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, in the hopes that these veteran units could use their battle expertise to finally bring about an end to the war. The enticement for these men to re-enlist was the gift of a new Sharps percussion rifle for them to use in battle and take home with them when their service time was over. Joy E. Johnson signed on with the 2nd Veteran Volunteers, Company D, as a Sergeant, and later moved to Company B as a First Sergeant. This Sharps is his rifle, serial number C31919, and is noted as such in the Coates & McCaulay book "Civil War Sharps Carbines & Rifles" that was printed in 1996. The 1st and 2nd Veteran Volunteers were active the last month of the war, having been assigned to Harper's Ferry, skirmishing with Confederate troops led by the "Gray Ghost" John S. Mosby. This rifle would have been in Johnson's hands during those final skirmishes with the Rebs during the last few weeks of the Civil War. Johnson survived, and eventually made his way to Connecticut, becoming a carpenter and living into 1886, when he passed away on February 5th. He and his wife Augusta are buried at the Stafford Springs Cemetery in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. My provenance includes copies of the pages from the Coates & McCaulay book showing the rifle by serial number issued to his name, a printout of has soldier history from the American Civil War Research Database, his muster roll info for both units as printed from the Soldiers and Sailors database provided by the National Archives, printouts of the 34th NYs monument at the Antietam battlefield (which shows his name as the Captain of Company G), a printout of his military registry, a printout of his pension record as applied for by his son Lewis E. Johnson, a printout of the 1880 Census records for inhabitants of Hartford, CT, a color printout of his gravestone at the Stafford Springs Cemetery, and several pages of copies of original articles that were written by a newpaperman and published in the "Utica Morning Herald" newspaper that chronicled the 34th NYs travels and battles. All provenance will be given to the buyer of this rifle.
The rifle is of standard configuration for this late production, having the 30" round barrel with post front sight, no bayonet lug or cleaning rod, original Sharps-marked long leaf rear sight, 3 barrel bands, 2-piece walnut stocks with the butt stock having 2 different final inspector's cartouches at the left wrist, and all the correct, original parts including hammer, lever, lever lock, nipple, patch box and sling swivels. A period leather sling is attached. Inside the patch box is an old piece of burlap with a spare nipple wrapped inside. The patch box door has the single punch dot on the underside, which was inspector John Taylor's mark.
CONDITION: Barrel retains 65% original thinning blue that has taken on a slightly mottled appearance. The barrel address and "New Model 1863" markings are very clear. Bore is excellent - bright and shiny with sharp rifling and no pitting, no rings, no bulges. The original walnut stocks are generally very good, exhibiting typical nicks dings and scratches but no splits or cracks, never sanded or refinished, and worn but evident inspector cartouches . Various sub-inspector initials appear in various locations on the metal parts. Clear serial number on the top tang. The receiver retains about 5% of the original case colors, with the balance having silvered and being mixed with some staining but is not pitted. The hammer spring is strong, having positive clicks on both half and full cock, and locks up nice and tight. Likewise the lever drops the breech block smoothly and functions as it should. Lever lock also working properly. The two tang screws have bright fire blue and may be replacements as their finish is not consistent with the rest of the rifle.
Most of the Veteran Volunteer units never saw battle, and thus their rifles are generally found in near-new condition. Not the case here as this unit did get in on a bit of action and thus the rifle shows it. If you like issued and identified Civil War firearms, this is not one to pass up. Grades NRA Antique Very Good.
TERMS: No international sales. Antique so it can ship directly to you assuming your local laws allow it. Please be aware of what is legal in your state. 3 day non-firing inspection and sold as a collector item only. Not warranted safe to fire until checked out by a competent gunsmith. Buyer pays return shipping. Payment by bank check, personal check or money order. All major credit cards accepted with 4% convenience fee added. Shipping will be free by USPS Priority Mail with tracking and insurance included. Always interested in used long guns and used antique handguns so please contact me if you have anything for sale or trade. 315.251.4799 with questions or concerns.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Sharps
Model: 1863
Serial Number: C31919
Barrel Length: 30" Round
Condition: Very good
Metal Condition: Very good
Wood Condition: Very good
Bore Condition: Excellent
Triggers: Standard/plain
Stock: Walnut
Sights: Standard
Manufacture Date: 1865
Item Location: New York