Documented EXTREMELY RARE 1 of 263 SHARPS U.S. Navy M1855 Percussion Rifle Only 50 having the ROLLIN WHITE’S PATENT MARKING

Description:
Documented EXTREMELY RARE 1 of 263 SHARPS U.S. Navy M1855 Percussion Rifle

Only 50 having the ROLLIN WHITE’S PATENT MARKING

Here Ancestry Guns presents an extremely rare antique U.S. Navy Sharps Model 1855 Breech Loading Percussion Rifle with the Rollin White’s Patent Marking, manufactured in Hartford, Connecticut, circa 1856-58. They were designed with 27-inch barrels and included a lug beneath the barrel near the muzzle for a saber bayonet. Additionally, the rifles were fitted with Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle musket adjustable rear sights, likely remnants from the Robbins & Lawrence contract for producing Enfield Rifle Muskets for the British government.
On March 14, 1856, US Naval Commander John A. Dahlgren, who was overseeing the Navy’s Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, ordered 150 rifle-length Model 1855 Sharps rifles. These rifles were to feature the carbine forend and a Maynard tape primer lock. The last 50 rifles were later ordered with “White’s Improvement”, bringing the total number of rifles ordered to 201, including the sample.

Deliveries were scheduled to begin in early to mid-April. However, Sharps was unable to meet the delivery timeline, and the rifles did not start arriving until September-October 1856. Albeit late, 201 guns were delivered and of those, fifty were equipped with the Rollin White patented “automatic cocking system. This particular example was one of those fifty. The rejection rate for the delivered firearms was quite high; as the White system was found to operate poorly, weaken the wrist, and ultimately, 38 of the rifles were returned to Sharps. As a result, the White system was removed from those firearms. This example has the White system removed being a part of the 38 returned specimens.  

Clearly marked with the extremely rare Rollin White patent on the lock. The Rollin White “automatic cocking system,” was produced within the serial number range of 19,600 to 20,750. This example is serial number “20430”. The Model 1855 was for all practical purposes a Model 1853 that incorporated Dr. Edward Maynard’s automatic tape priming system into the lock. 
This rifle is photo’d and referenced by serial number on page number 280 in “SHARPS FIREARMS The Percussion Era 1848-1865” by Marcot, R., Paxton R., and Marron, E. (2019) Published by Northwood Heritage Press. Specifically noted as not being a part of the September 10, 1856 twenty-seven gun shipment according to a surviving SRMCo. Ledger.

The overall condition is very good. Light brown, original patina. The stock and forend are re-finished with light handling wear, and there is a repair at the wrist. Cartouche remnants are on the left wrist. The markings are legible. Strong action. Bright bore with sharp rifling. The number on the receiver tang and patchbox lid match.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 27 inches.

Caliber: .54 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$16,500

#259342
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $16,500.00
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