This is a highly desirable example of a historic identified Sharps New Model 1863 rifle, and is listed by serial number as issued to George Maeller of the U.S. 2nd Veteran Volunteers during the Civil War, as referenced on page 95 of "Civil War Sharps Carbines & Rifles" by Earl J. Coates and John D. McAulay. Only 6,150 New Model 1863 rifles were manufactured c. 1863-1865 in the C,30000-C,40000 serial range (reference "Flayderman's Guide" 9th Edition, 5F-025), comparatively less than the amount of Sharps carbines during the Civil War, making them a desirable Sharps variation. Features a front sight doubling as a socket bayonet lug, R.S. Lawrence patent ladder rear sight with 900 yard center notch, Sharps address and "NEW MODEL 1863" marked on top of the barrel, Sharps 1848 patent date marked on the left of the receiver with the R.S. Lawrence 1859 patent date and Sharps 1852 patent date on the lock, single letter inspection marks stamped on some components, "M.N.M" inspection initials on the left barrel flat at the breech, "L.P.R" inspection initials marked on top of the stock comb ahead of the buttplate tang, two bordered script "TWR" (Thomas W. Russell) inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock wrist, "IO" stamped on the left of the forearm and buttstock, and a few painted inventory type numbers on the forearm along with an inventory label on the lower tang.

Very good plus as Civil War issued, with traces of original finish concentrated on the barrel, attractive patterns of silvered out casecolors, scattered spotting, light pitting, and defined markings in the metal. Wood is also very good, with numerous characteristic scattered dents and scratches, and a crack visible at the rear of the forearm. Mechanically fine.