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Sharps '59 Pics

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 1:13 pm
by Todd Birch
The current issue of "Man At Arms" magazine has some good pics of a '59
percussion Sharps Military Rifle from the collection of Peter Albee.

It is serial #54390, one of the lowest numbers known. Acording to Sword's book, the lowest serial number of a known Berdan-issue Sharps is 54374, the highest 57567, so this is likely a Berdan rifle, with all the known characteristics.

There should be a 'JT' inspector's cartouche on the left wrist of the stock, not visible in the pics, nor is it mentioned in the captions. However, it is said to be a genuine Berdan rifle.

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 8:03 pm
by nineteen76
Todd,
Not to steal your thread, but take a look at this one.
Chris

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin ... emID=36207

1859

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 10:55 am
by KL
"C" usually denotes 1863.

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 11:47 am
by nineteen76
'yah! 59, '60, '61, '62, or '63!

"C" is for CONDITION!

1859

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 5:22 pm
by KL
That's strange. Sellers list the New Model 1863 Carbine as having numbers 71,235 through 99,999 and thereafter starting with # C,1 through C, 49528, period of production 1863 to 1865.

Sharps Rifle

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 7:00 pm
by Todd Birch
Nineteen76

Did I read the price right on that rifle? Strikes me as bargain for a rifle of that vintage in that condition.
I note that it takes a sabre bayonet, not socket.

I was shooting my '63 carbine yesterday, comparing loads with wheel weight bullets to my usual alloy mix. I'll post the results soon. Too bagged after helping friends who are moving back to Montana. Wish I was going with them .....

Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 9:05 am
by Rooster-Rancher
Did I read the price right on that rifle? Strikes me as bargain for a rifle of that vintage in that condition.
I note that it takes a sabre bayonet, not socket.
I suspect a refinish/restoration. It's just too good...especially at that price.

is it or isn't it ....?

Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 1:23 pm
by Todd Birch
Oddly, the cover of "Man at Arms" features a close up of the action of the '63 Berdan rifle.
Right under it is the title: "Is your gun refinished?", an article on the unscrupulous refinishing of antique guns.

Refinished or not, that rifle on 'collectorsfirearms' would be a good acquisition, if it's as good looking inside.

Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 2:30 pm
by Rooster-Rancher
I suspect new wood on that gun. there isn't any way that gun has come this far with no bangs or bruises. When I worked for rock Island auction Co. I found several with new wood on them. A quick check in the patch box will usually tell the story.