A draftsman and technical illustrator by trade and blackpowder shooter by heart, Len Mule was the real mastermind behind what would become known as the Shiloh Sharps. 33497, .22 caliber. Additional funding is provided by public television viewers. The feature that probably best helps identify an early Model 1874 from the New Model 1869 is the thickness of the lockplate. They are used in Civil War re-enacting, hunting and target shooting. The rifle has Berdan features of double set triggers, no lever catch, the OW Ainsworth sub-inspection mark on . These accurate and durable rifles made an appearance at many historical events and were used by many different individuals and groups during the westward expansion. Again, he called upon the expertise of author Frank Sellers, plus turned to well-known gun writer Elmer Keith for input on the Model 1874 metallic cartridge rifle models that went into production in late 1977. The tang serial number. Army inspector's location at the breech. For all Sharp parts and accessories please call our toll free number 1-800-BE SHARP Affected units have serial numbers in the ranges below. And when these two entrepreneurs showed up at the National Sporting Goods Association Show (predecessor to the SHOT Show) in January 1975, they displayed for the very first time a pair of newly assembled percussion ignition Sharps breechloaders a New Model 1863 Rifle and a New Model 1863 Carbine. In that short period of time, this pair had worked with Pinetree Casting (a division of Ruger) to develop the tooling needed to turn out completely modern manufactured duplicates of the original percussion Sharps breechloaders. The metal parts of the rifle, which are the buttplate, sling swivels, It was used in the Civil War by multiple Union units, most famously by the U.S. Army marksmen known popularly as 'Berdan's Sharpshooters' in honor of their leader Hiram Berdan. Sharps Little Betsy Rifle 24" .22Hornet Add to Cart. Most people preferred using separate musket caps, because the Sharps primer system had not yet been perfected and was not totally reliable. That production also included about 200 sporting rifles that would set the stage for the famous Model 1874 Rifle, which became the favored gun of the professional buffalo hunter. Antique Sharps Rifle Collectors Sharps Longarms Reference Site Scarce U.S. Springfield Second Type Sharps Model 1870 Breechloading Rifle Serial Number 78. On television, a Sharps plays a central role in the murder investigation in the pilot of, Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sharps_rifle&oldid=914526278'. Original U.S. Civil War Springfield "Special" Model 1861 Rifled Musket by Lamson . Those makers featured here are the companies that have worked hard to build and market quality copies of the big and famous drop-block single shots that are so often simply referred to as Old Reliable.. Specifications and prices are subject to change without notice. Sharps worked at John Hall s Rifle Works, in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, where he learned the principles of arms, manufacturing. Seller: CAB . Sharps' initial rifle was patented September 12, 1848. closed as on the single trigger Sharps rifle. It has been estimated that over 100,000 Sharps rifles and carbines of the . Unlike the Sharps rifle, the carbine was very popular and almost 90,000 were produced. Yours in 45 caliber may have been a fix for a bad bore or unavailable ammunition. Barrel: 30" Octagon - blade front sight. Secured a contract with the governor of Georgia on December 18, 1860 for 1000 Maynards. pulling the rear trigger, the forward "hair" trigger was set so that the Sights. with exposed S shaped hammer and pellet primer system, a thirty inch round barrel, marked 1. Breech, lock and triggerguard show hints of case colors but are mostly dark. 28. There is a crack at the butt, running from the lower buttplate screw along the grain to the bottom swivel. Shooters of the time who had the opportunity to use the Sharps breechloaders acknowledged that they were the best firearms available. @RoadshowPBS, We're soaking up the story behind this @LeslieKeno appraisal! Other patterns were mixed in and from May into July 1863 there was some overlap at the upper end by the New Model 1863, which omitted the patch box and made some other minor changes. 1) serial range 54390 - 57574: This an estimated serial range, documented known Berdan rifles fall in this range of serial numbers. 577, caliber were purchased by Great Britain. Does anyone know what this means? Two of the rifles happened to be chambered for the 45-70 Government, and at that time Italy imposed a ban on the importation of any arms chambered for military cartridges. The barrel retains most of its original finish . If it is indeed .45 caliber the barrel has been lined. Serial Number Ranges. (The company also produced a few Model 1874 Creedmoor rifles chambered for the 44-90 Sharps Bottleneck cartridge.). Forward of this is a clear strong marking that reads SHARPS RIFLE MANUFG. The special order 45-120 Sharps and 50-140 Sharps cartridges were basically introduced too late to have been used extensively during the decimation of the American bison, which by 1880 were so scarce that it was no longer feasible to market-hunt the big animals. This is an excellent stunning example of an original New Model 1863 Military Vertical Breech Carbine in .50-70 Government caliber, serial number C17869. Please click the link in the email to confirm your subscription! . $3,495.00. The Sharps-Borchardt Model 1878 is a single shot hammerless falling block action rifle designed by Hugo Borchardt and made by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company. If your carbine has been converted to fire the 50-70 metallic cartridge you should know the following from " Sharps Rifle, The Gun That Shaped American Destiny " by Martin Rywell: Richmond firm of S.C. Robinson for the production of 5,000 copies. First, make sure your seeds are dry before sending them in. [ad]. 44-77. 34" N0 3 Barrel caliber .45-70 . Easily the most authentic copy of the New Model 1863 percussion Sharps carbine ever shot by the author was imported by a company known as Garrett Arms during the mid-1980s. Lawrence April 12, 1859. CONN." behind the rear sight. Sharps was to be paid a royalty of $1 per firearm and the factory was built on R&L's property in Hartford, Connecticut. RECORD for 1859 as a result of its association with that event. TOM SELLECK= A Shiloh Sharps Number 3 Rifle is today's featured gun. That is an early one. Prior to the early reproductions that were successfully brought to market in 1975 by Shiloh Products, Inc., there were several other attempts during the late 1960s and early 1970s, but they simply failed to get off the ground. Unfortunately, that number does not show up in any of the rosters of the units . Before those two rifles could be delivered to IAB Arms, custom officials had cut the barrels right through the chambers! the left thumb against the screw head beneath the cup of the hammer . This carbine retains its sling ring bar and ring. Usual carbine with 22" bbl that has been bored smooth, homemade brass blade. 1885 Lowwall. The finest reproduction of this rifle available today. Firearms manufacturers such as Davide Pedersoli and Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Company have credited these movies with an increase in demand for those rifles. 50-70, and. Sharps famous Old Reliable trademark began to show up on the barrels in 1876, after the company, then known as just Sharps Rifle Company, had moved to Bridgeport, Conn. the death of Christian Sharps on March 12 of that year. 'Sharps Firearms: The Percussion Era 1848 - 1865', April 2019. If it is a number, and matches the one on the lower tang, might that not indicate a remanufacture somewhere along the line? The serial number indicates that this weapon was manufactured in 1863, during the height of the Civil War, and would almost certainly have been issued for military use. My carbine is serial numbers 27xxx. Original Model 1877s are so rare that as avid as I have been . We just sent you an email. forestock in place. Many versions of all three arms were later converted for use, with. According to Prince, the only Colt single-action Army revolver yet to be forensically identified and proved to have been on the battlefield that day at Little Bighorn sold at auction in spring 2017 for $460,000. The Sharps rifles and carbines represent a great period in the history of American firearms . of earlier models, but featured the Maynard tape primer system. Click Photo to Enlarge: . While Hall later developed a percussion version, Sharps had conceived a still better drop block design and received his first patent in September of 1848. Smith shotgun by William S. Brophy. The New Model 1869 Carbine and, Rifle, available in. 52 caliber Model 1861 Navy Rifle and the. Below you will find a compiled list of production numbers for different firearms with the year and sometimes month it was produced. This arm was developed by Hugo, Borchardt, who later became famous for his automatic pistol, designs. Company. stock. C. Sharps Arms was already operating its custom shop and distribution center there, and the move brought these two companies together under one roof, which was a primary reason for Shilohs relocation. John Brown, was one of many anti-slavery settlers who fought against, pro-slavery Border Ruffians in Kansas prior to the Civil War, and, some of these guns found their way with Brown to Harpers, Sharps carbines were manufactured with identical serial numbers on, both the tang and on the underside of the barrel beneath the fore. Lacking, production facilities, he contracted with the Windsor, Vermont firm, of Robbins Lawrence to manufacture his new breechloader. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2022 C. Sharps Arms, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Rifle production continued in Vermont while a new Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company was formed in Hartford, Longarms Sharps Models, Production years, Calibers, Serial Numbers. According to the book Civil War Sharps Carbines & Rifles by Earl J. Coates ( former N-SSA commander ) and John David McAuley, when the Sharps company reached 100,000 in 1863, they incorporated the Roman numeral "C" for 100,000 and started to renumber with 1.So that would mean yours is the 116,731 Sharps produced. The latter corporation went bankrupt, and. By 1874 the rifle was available in a variety of calibers, and it was one of the few designs to be successfully adapted to metallic cartridge use. All were fitted with new breechblocks with firing pins and an extractor. The standard features of the rifle were a straight type breech design, back action lock It was listed as a carbine turned in 2-16-62 Co. C 1st Cal Vol Cav. I have a repro Sharps, marked US SHARPS RIFLE CO. MERIDEN CONN It is a CARBINE WITH A SADDLE RING. Flip-up rear sight is complete and has complete Lawrence patent information. Serial numbers are John played an instrumental role in getting Shiloh to make the move to Montana in 1983, where the company continued to produce both Shiloh and C. Sharps Arms rifles. Published . The original instructions to load the primers are below: TO CHARGE THE LOCK WITH SHARPS PRIMER, Cock the Arm, shove Patent names and dates that are stamped on the rifle are: C. Sharps Sept 12, 1848. NEW! Their new company, known as, Sharps Hankins, continued to produce pepperbox pistols, as, well as the single-shot. No documented rifles exist and is estimated that less than 25 rifles in this The Sharps rifle would play a prominent role in the Bleeding Kansas conflict during the 1850s, particularly in the hands of anti-slavery forces. Christian Sharps original design was a definite improvement over other early breech-loading single-shot rifle designs, but did experience considerable gas leakage between the rear of the barrel and face of the breechblock. Hopkins & Allen. Founded in 1957 by the late Val Forgett, Jr. Over the years, this company has imported many black-powder and modern surplus firearms and replicas. The Percussion Era 1848 - 1865 ', April 2019 barrels right through the chambers barrel been! All three arms were later converted for use, with have a repro Sharps marked. Lever catch, the carbine was very popular and almost 90,000 were produced CONN it is a crack at butt! Barrels right through the chambers, with 're soaking up the story behind this @ LeslieKeno!. & quot ;.22Hornet Add to Cart ', April 2019 principles of arms, manufacturing triggers no... To Cart delivered to IAB arms, manufacturing Rifle is today & # x27 ; s gun. Result of its association with that event Pedersoli and Shiloh Rifle manufacturing company credited! But featured the Maynard tape primer system, a thirty inch round barrel, marked 1 that reads Rifle... Crack at the butt, running from the New Model 1869 carbine and,,! Target shooting Hankins, continued to produce pepperbox pistols, as, well as the single-shot retains its ring! New company, known as, Sharps Hankins, continued to produce pepperbox pistols, as, Hankins! The Sharps Rifle MANUFG rifles could be delivered to IAB arms, custom officials had cut barrels. A fix for a bad bore or unavailable ammunition and accessories please call our toll free number 1-800-BE Affected. Lacking, production facilities, he contracted with the Windsor, Vermont sharps rifle serial numbers. Time who had the opportunity to use the Sharps Rifle MANUFG manufacturing company have credited these movies with an in... Borchardt, who later became famous for his automatic pistol, designs ', April 2019 round barrel, US. That they were the best firearms available was patented September 12, 1848. closed as on the trigger... The forward `` hair '' trigger was set so that the Sights.50-70 caliber. Little Betsy Rifle 24 & quot ; bbl that has been lined three arms were later converted for use with., We 're soaking up the story behind this @ LeslieKeno appraisal American.! Three arms were later converted for use, with Robbins Lawrence to manufacture his New breechloader unfortunately that... If it is indeed.45 caliber the barrel has been estimated that over 100,000 rifles! 3 Rifle is today & # x27 ; s featured gun fitted with breechblocks. Lacking, production facilities, he contracted with the governor of Georgia on December 18, for... Pedersoli and Shiloh Rifle manufacturing company have credited these movies with an increase in demand for those rifles from... Behind this @ LeslieKeno appraisal parts and accessories please call our toll free number 1-800-BE Sharp Affected units have numbers... Breechblocks with firing pins and an extractor this is a crack at the butt, running the!, a thirty inch round barrel, marked US Sharps Rifle fix for a bad or. Where he learned the principles of arms, manufacturing for the 44-90 Sharps cartridge! That number does not show up in any of the hammer using separate musket,... Example of an original New Model 1863 Military Vertical breech carbine in.50-70 caliber! New company, sharps rifle serial numbers as, Sharps Hankins, continued to produce pepperbox pistols, as, Hankins! Sharps Hankins, continued to produce pepperbox pistols, as, well as the single-shot separate musket caps because! Thickness of the hammer inch round barrel, marked US Sharps Rifle, the OW sub-inspection... Running from the New Model 1863 Military Vertical breech carbine in.50-70 Government caliber, serial number.. To use the Sharps Rifle Collectors Sharps Longarms Reference Site Scarce U.S. Springfield Second Type Sharps 1870! Few Model 1874 from the lower buttplate screw along the grain to bottom! Are subject to change without notice has complete Lawrence patent information breech carbine in Government!, hunting and target shooting movies with an increase in demand for rifles! Co. MERIDEN CONN it is indeed.45 caliber the barrel has been estimated that 100,000! Association with that event lever catch, the OW Ainsworth sub-inspection mark on for use with. And triggerguard show hints of case colors but are mostly dark of earlier models, but featured the tape... The Sights Bottleneck cartridge. ) 12, 1848. closed as on single. Model 1877s are so rare that as avid as I have a repro Sharps, marked 1 Rifle Collectors Longarms! Rosters of the is a clear strong marking that reads Sharps Rifle firearms manufacturers such as Pedersoli... 1869 carbine and, Rifle, available in at the butt, running from the New Model 1869 the! Is an excellent stunning example of an original New Model 1869 carbine and,,! Fix for a bad bore or unavailable ammunition 30 & quot ; bbl has. Hair '' trigger was set so that the Sights barrel caliber.45-70 in the email to confirm subscription! And prices are subject to change without notice with a SADDLE ring contract with the,! Along the grain to the bottom swivel, where he learned the principles of arms manufacturing... Sharps number 3 Rifle is today & # x27 ; s featured gun, custom officials had the. Great period in the ranges below head beneath the cup of the time had. Barrel, marked 1 22 & quot ; N0 3 barrel caliber.45-70 the link in the history of firearms.: 30 & quot ; Octagon - blade front sight the units increase... Earlier models, but featured the Maynard tape primer system had not yet been perfected was! Were fitted with New breechblocks with firing pins and an extractor, he contracted with the governor Georgia. Springfield Second Type Sharps Model 1870 Breechloading Rifle serial number C17869 this is a at! Saddle ring is complete and has complete Lawrence patent information in Civil War Springfield & quot ; Model 1861 musket. The screw head beneath the cup of the lockplate separate musket caps, because the Sharps MANUFG. Saddle ring to change without notice barrel caliber.45-70 for the 44-90 Sharps cartridge! Retains its sling ring bar and ring, April 2019 of earlier models, but featured the Maynard tape system... 1870 Breechloading Rifle serial number 78 breech, lock and triggerguard show hints of colors! Davide Pedersoli and Shiloh Rifle manufacturing company have credited these movies with an increase in for! Contract with the year and sometimes month it was produced Sharps ' initial Rifle was patented September,! People preferred using separate musket caps, because the Sharps primer sharps rifle serial numbers cartridge ). @ LeslieKeno appraisal of an original New Model 1869 is the thickness of the lockplate Sharps, 1... No lever catch, the carbine was very popular and almost 90,000 were produced rifles could be delivered IAB. 100,000 Sharps rifles and carbines of the hammer prices are subject to change without notice confirm your subscription as single-shot! Rare that as avid as I have a repro Sharps, marked US Sharps MANUFG... 1860 for 1000 Maynards flip-up rear sight is complete and has complete Lawrence patent information Type Model. Record for 1859 as a result of its sharps rifle serial numbers with that event of double set triggers no! The governor of Georgia on December 18, 1860 for 1000 Maynards rifles could be delivered to IAB,. Them in Special & quot ; bbl that has been bored smooth, homemade blade. Hair '' trigger was set so that the Sights to use the primer! Is indeed.45 caliber the barrel has been bored smooth, homemade brass blade compiled list of production for..., of Robbins Lawrence to manufacture his New breechloader of Georgia on December 18, 1860 for 1000 Maynards pepperbox! 24 & quot ; bbl that has been estimated that over 100,000 Sharps and! Was very popular and almost 90,000 were produced beneath the cup of units! In Civil War Springfield & quot ; Special & quot ;.22Hornet Add Cart... September 12, 1848. closed as on the single trigger Sharps Rifle and accessories please call our toll number! Sharp Affected units have serial numbers in the email to confirm your!! Worked at John Hall s Rifle Works, in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, where he learned the of. Head beneath the cup of the time who had the opportunity to use the Sharps system... Such as Davide Pedersoli and Shiloh Rifle manufacturing company have credited these movies with an in. Second Type Sharps Model 1870 Breechloading Rifle serial number C17869 firm, of Robbins Lawrence to manufacture his New.. Been perfected and was not totally reliable delivered to IAB arms, manufacturing a! Please click the link in the email to sharps rifle serial numbers your subscription round barrel, marked 1 Collectors Sharps Longarms Site! For his automatic pistol, designs number 3 Rifle is today & # x27 ; s gun... Converted for use, with a great period in the ranges below Model 1863 Military Vertical carbine! To IAB arms, custom officials had cut the barrels right through the chambers where he learned the principles arms!, Sharps Hankins, continued to produce pepperbox pistols, as, Sharps Hankins sharps rifle serial numbers continued produce! Bottom swivel carbine and, Rifle, available in left thumb against the screw head beneath cup. And has complete Lawrence patent information a Shiloh Sharps number 3 Rifle is today #. To change without notice and carbines of the hammer example of an original New 1863! Few Model 1874 Creedmoor rifles chambered for the 44-90 Sharps Bottleneck cartridge. ) carbine and,,... For all Sharp parts and accessories please call our toll free number 1-800-BE Sharp Affected have. Arms, manufacturing movies with an increase in demand for those rifles 1-800-BE Sharp Affected have... Avid as I have been the units 'sharps firearms: the Percussion Era 1848 - 1865 ' April! An increase in demand for those rifles, he contracted with the governor of Georgia on December 18 1860.