Approximately what is the gun's value

Royal · Post by **Royal** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:03 am

I have a '63 Farmington in .50 cal that I rarely shoot, mainly because it is a chore to get it really clean and I have a couple of 1874's that take up most of my time. I am seriously thinking of selling the '63 musket. It is in extremely good condition, has leather sling, but no box. I have no idea what one should bring since I have never seen another for sale around here. Would anyone care to give me some suggestions of what to ask or what they are selling for?
Thanks.

nineteen76 · Post by **nineteen76** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:49 am

Royal,
There is a Farmingdale 1863 3-Band military Musket on AuctionArms right now. Starting bid is $1125.00 with no reserve. It is advertised as a 98% rifle with a tang sight. Not sure but I do not beleive the Farmingdales were drilled and tapped for the tang sight (so not all original?). I would watch it to see what it brings and go from there.
Good luck,
Chris

PS. I beleive there were fewer 50 calibers made than the 54's, so keep that in mind .

Royal · Post by **Royal** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 3:02 pm

[quote="nineteen76"]Royal,
There is a Farmingdale 1863 3-Band military Musket on AuctionArms right now. Starting bid is $1125.00 with no reserve. It is advertised as a 98% rifle with a tang sight. Not sure but I do not beleive the Farmingdales were drilled and tapped for the tang sight (so not all original?). I would watch it to see what it brings and go from there.
Good luck,
Chris

PS. I beleive there were fewer 50 calibers made than the 54's, so keep that in mind .[/quote]

Chris:
Thanks. What is the AuctionArms web site? .......Royal

gmartin · Post by **gmartin** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:41 pm

Royal,
Ah, I enjoy cleaning the things, believe me. Wish I could afford it, my dream is a 3 bander to accompany my carbine and Mr. Birch has a .50 that is a tack driver.
I best not tell you what I believe a fair price. In all seriousness you could do well to stick with the price quoted above.
Gregg

Leatherstocking · Post by **Leatherstocking** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:05 pm

Does anyone know if Royals rifle can "easily" be converted to 50-70? Is the bore size compairable?
Leatherstocking

HvyMtl · Post by **HvyMtl** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:30 pm

Leatherstocking

I do not see why it can't be converted however I don't know how good a shooter it would be due to the 1 in 48 twist barrel and would it end up being worth the convertion after all is said and done.

Ken

Leatherstocking · Post by **Leatherstocking** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:51 pm

Heavy..thanks for that...I hadn't considered rate of twist!
Leatherstocking

nineteen76 · Post by **nineteen76** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 5:31 pm

Royal,
Web address is www.auctionarms.com. Auction #6538246. Put this number in the box "What are you looking for" and hit search.
Chris

nineteen76 · Post by **nineteen76** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 5:38 pm

Royal,
Web address is www.auctionarms.com. Auction #6538246. Put this number in the box "What are you looking for" and hit search.
Chris

gmartin · Post by **gmartin** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 3:32 pm

Felows,
A conversion can be done, I forget who told me that, I believe, Pedersoli or Garrett, offered such a kit to he. It was Ped., ask them. The twist? SO WHAT? It will shoot fine to the ranges that are reasonable, come on.
Gregg

Fortitudine · Post by **Fortitudine** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 8:47 pm

Generally, the .50 cal is not as desirable in the military style Sharps, as .54 is the perceived caliber of the originals.
The rear tang sight on the one in the above mentioned auction is also not correct relative to original military issue Sharps Rifles.
Regardless, they are nice rifles.

gmartin · Post by **gmartin** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 9:33 pm

Fortitudine,
Respectfully, the military Sharps, esp. in the '59 series, were offerred in calibers of .50, .52, .54 and .56, with rifle barrels of 30" to 36". Things became more standardized in the '63. My knowledge largely comes from Sellers.
Gregg

Fortitudine · Post by **Fortitudine** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:29 am

Gregg, I apologize for not being clear. In reference to only the New Model 1863 Military Rifles, the standard caliber is .52; however it is "perceived" by many, or incorrectly referred to, as a .54 caliber weapon...probably because of the measured bullet size...I don't know.
The standard barrel length for this model was 30 inches, although it is documented that approx. 600 of the 36 inch barrel models were produced as well, but I'm confident that these longer barrel rifles were Model 1859 units. I am not aware of any other other barrel lengths produced. It has also been published that a limited number of Model 1859's were produced in .58 caliber as well..primarily issued for Naval use. I am not aware of any other calibers of percussion models 1859 or 1863 being produced. The issue of bore diameters seems to escalate when, after the Civil War, many of these weapons were converted to non-percussion versions.
Best regards - Steve

Royal · Post by **Royal** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:20 am

I didn't mean to stir up such a can of worms when I asked if anyone wanted to hazzard a value on my 1863 .50 cal 3 band musket. Thanks to all who gave me information. I will assume that a current value would be somewhere in the range of $1150 to $1200. The one on Auctionarms is about to close and the price is in that range unless there is a late bid. Thanks.

HvyMtl · Post by **HvyMtl** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:51 am

I do believe the barrel length was 36" but I also think some had tang sights, which would only make sense for long range shots.

Royal, your not opening a can of worms we just find it interesting to discuss. I do know that Gregg has done a lot of research on the subject. I also understand they were mostly in 52 cal. but I think that varied some what.

Ken

Shiloh Rifle Forums

Approximately what is the gun's value

Approximately what is the gun's value

covert to 50/70

1859 Sharps