RARE**ORIGINAL**American Civil War Era, Sharps New Model 1859 .52” Paper Cartridge Capping Breech Loading Percussion Single Shot Rifle With Lawrence 1859 Patent Flip Up Ladder Rear Sight & Patch Box. Sn 23386 Sharps Single Shot Obsolete Rifle

**RARE**ORIGINAL**American Civil War Era, Sharps New Model 1859 .52” Paper Cartridge Capping Breech Loading Percussion Single Shot Rifle With Lawrence 1859 Patent Flip Up Ladder Rear Sight & Patch Box. Sn 23386 - 23386

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 utilised a paper cartridge which, when the sliding beech was closed cut the end from the cartridge. The percussion system then fired the shot. 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 ‘New Model 1859’ designation. The action tang is numbered ‘40558’. The rifle’s 30” barrel has just light staining consistent with age & crisp rifling (46 ¾” overall length). It has block and blade fore sight, Lawrence 1859 patent flip up ladder rear sight, bayonet bar and sling swivels. The metal work has its original blue finish nicely age to plum colour. The all original wood is excellent with no damage. The patch box has a hinged iron lid. The weapon’s loading and firing actions operate crisply. This is an excellent example of a scarce, highly desirable and historic Sharps rifle. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre rifle no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 23386

£4,750.00