MINT BORE**VERY RARE**American Civil War Berdan’s Sharp Shooters , Sharps New Model 1859 .52” Capping Breech Loading Percussion Single Shot Rifle With Patch Box. Sn 23131 Single Shot None Rifle

**MINT BORE**VERY RARE**American Civil War Berdan’s Sharp Shooters , Sharps New Model 1859 .52” Capping Breech Loading Percussion Single Shot Rifle With Patch Box. Sn 23131 - 23131

The Sharps was one of the best known percussion breech loading guns made by the Union during the American Civil War. Designed by Christian Sharps it featured a vertical sliding block at the breech end of the barrel. It utilsed a paper cartridge which, when the sliding beech was closed cut the end from the cartridge. The percussion system then fired the shot. Two thousand of these Sharps rifles were purchased by the U.S. Government for issue to Col. Hiram Berdan’s sharpshooter regiments, in the serial range 35,000 to 57,000 and were used to great effect throughout the remainder of the Civil War. The top of the barrel, left and right sides of the receiver have Sharps & R,S Lawrence patent markings (Lawrence was chief armourer at the sharps factory) and faint ‘New Model 1859’ designation. The action tang is numbered ‘41411’ putting it in the serial number range for rifles issued to Berdan’s sharp shooters (only the first order of these rifles were delivered with double set triggers. This feature was ordered by Col. Berdan but the extra cost was unauthorized and upon learning of this change to the contract from his inspectors, the Chief of Ordnance immediately wrote to the Sharps Company and directed them to stop producing the change and revert to the original order which was for single trigger rifles such as ours). The rifle’s 30” barrel has a near mint bore clean and bright with crisp rifling (47” overall length). It has block foresight (absent blade), flip up rear sight, bayonet bar and sling swivels. The metal work has even aged patina. The stock has just light bumps and bruises to be expected with age and use. The patch box has a hinged iron lid. The weapons loading and firing actions operate crisply. This is an excellent example of a very scarce, highly desirable and historic Sharps rifle. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique percussion rifle no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 23131

£3,450.00