Guns International #: 102052092
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Guns International #: 102052092
Category - Sharps Rifles - Antique
- Civil War Carbines
Seller's Information
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Seller: Jeremiah Johnson Trading
Company: Jeremiah Johnson Trading Member Since: 1/27/12
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Schimetschek
State:
Connecticut
Zip: 06423
Country: United States
Phone: (860) 873-1092
Active Listings: 4
Total Listings: 217
Seller Type:Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
3 days Payment Methods: Check (personal checks take 7-10 days to clear), money order, credit card (no fee), or wire
About Us: Jeremiah Johnson Trading is one of the most experienced and trusted dealers of pre-1899 antique arms with over 40 years of collecting. We specialize in Colt, Winchester, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Parker, large-bore fowling guns, Revolutionary & Civil War arms, collectible Bowie & folding knives and more! We are also avid collectors of historic race cars & memorabilia. Visit us online at jeremiahjohnsontrading or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
*RARE* Pre-New Model EARLY Model 1859 Sharps US Cavalry Carbine First Contract Single Rail Brass Mounted
Description: Extremely Rare First Contract Pre-"New Model" Model 1859 Sharps "Single Rail" Brass Mounted Percussion US Cavalry Carbine, .52 Cal, mfg. 1859. This is one of the earliest straight breech military Sharps carbines made and represents an extreme rarity in antique arms collecting. The "Model 1859" (NOT "New Model 1859") is so rare in fact that it doesn't even appear in Flayderman's guide or most books for that matter. Model 1859's are first contract guns which were primarily issued to the 1st & 2nd United States Cavalry regiments in 1860 seeing action on the Western frontier with subsequent use throughout the American Civil War. They are unique in that the breechblock features one side rail as opposed to two seen on the improved "New" breech which became standard on all models that followed. This example is particularly early also having a flat rear breech surface without friction ridges. 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). They were intended to outfit 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 in 1855. 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 example offered here, serial number 30468, would have been among the very first order of March 23rd 1859 for 620 guns which was later increased to 2,000 before delivery to the regiments in 1860. It remains in honest original condition showing all the character of an early battle worn Sharps. The barrel has a lightly freckled plum patina thinning to smooth gray toward the muzzle while the receiver shows a mottled silver color with some faint swirls of case color remarkably still visible. The edges remain quite sharp throughout. The original brass patchbox, buttplate, and barrel band have a mellowed luster. The stock shows heavy wear with distinct military saddle wear on the left side of the butt. There is a stable old crack below the comb extending back toward the sling swivel which has been secured with the addition of a screw behind the lower tang. Remnants of an inspector's cartouche are VERY faint below the sling bar and the wood has a smooth dark appearance overall. Original brass blade post front sight with flip-up R.S. Lawrence patent rear sight. Clear original frame patent markings with legible Sharps barrel address and serial number "30468" stamped on the upper tang. Correctly there is no model designation indicated on the breech (later models will be marked "NEW MODEL 1859", 1863, 1865 etc). Original hammer, trigger, screws, Maynard priming system, lever with sliding locking nut, heavily worn sling ring and bar, and correct butt mounted sling swivel which was omitted on subsequent models (swivel is frozen). The action is crisp and functions perfectly. The nipple is a flawless original and the lever/breech securely opens and snaps shut as it should. Excellent bore showing bright and sharp six-groove rifling front to back with only light blackpowder frosting. The finest known example of a Model 1859 (SN 31202) which assuredly did not see combat was just sold at on August 27th for $64,625 attesting to the rarity of these earliest contract carbines. Personally I would rather own one that saw battle! Approximately 2,000 of these were probably made however I would guess less than 100 still survive today. A VERY rare chance to own one of the earliest known straight breech Sharps carbines extant and a representation of a model that elludes even the most advanced collections. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique firearms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique firearm" will hence include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique firearms. Antique firearms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique firearms 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 handgun (antique or muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction) shipped to New Jersey must ship to a licensed FFL holder. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. No international sales of antique firearms which may fire conventional metallic cartridges or any reproductions regardless of ignition. Antique muzzleloaders, or 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, or credit card (no fees). Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. If not satisfied with an item within 3 days of receiving it, simply return the item in the same condition as shipped for a full refund, minus return shipping costs. Cleaning, disassembly, or altering of a firearm in any way will void inspection privileges. Layaway may be allowed upon negotiation, but will void inspection privileges. Buyer pays actual shipping & insurance costs. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account however it will be noted that any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with our business. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All firearms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. Message or call with any questions about this firearm, or any of our other items at 860-873-1092 (office) or 860-345-2100 (shop). SOLD Antique: Yes Rifle Caliber: .52 Manufacturer: Sharps Model: 1859 Serial Number: 30468 Manufacture Date: 1859 |
Guns International #: 102052092
Guns International #: 102052092