This rifle matches the configuration of the aborted Egyptian contract rifles and falls within the correct approximate 36000-40000 serial number range noted for the 600 rifles ordered by the Viceroy of Egypt through the American consul in Egypt in late 1859. These rifles are readily identifiable by their 36 inch barrels with saber bayonet lugs rather than the usual 30 inch barrels. These rifles were inspected by Major Thorton of the New York Arsenal in early 1861. The Egyptians had not paid for the rifles, so they were offered for sale to the U.S. Ordnance Department and purchased by Captain Joseph R. Hawley of Hartford of Rifle Company A (90 rifles) and the State of Connecticut (510 rifles). This information can be found on pages 323-324 of the book "Sharps Firearms The Percussion Era 1848-1865" by Marcot, Paxton and Marron. They were issued to the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 11th, and 14th Connecticut Infantry Regiments. This example features an oval script "JH" (Joseph Hannis) inspection cartouche stamped on the left wrist of the stock, the barrel has a block mounted blade front sight, bayonet stud ahead of the forearm, the three-line Sharps address ahead of the Lawrence patent notch and ladder rear sight, "NEW MODEL 1859" on top at the breech, the lock and frame have the standard Lawrence and Sharps patent markings, the serial number is marked on the upper tang, three iron barrel bands and an iron patch box. This exact rifle is pictured and mentioned by serial number on pages 23-24 of the book "Military Sharps Rifles and Carbines Volume I" by Richard Hopkins. Faint period carvings visible on the left of the buttstock that appear to possibly read "C P Blake" above an illegible carved word or words.

Fine, retains 60% period arsenal refurbished blue finish and 70% plus vivid case colors, 70% plus niter blue finish, with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance and some light freckling. Wood is very good with some scatted dents and scratches, a few cracks on the bottom of the forend with a period screw repair on the right rear, faint carvings as mentioned above, and a visible lightly worn cartouche. Mechanically excellent