This is an exceptional Sharps New Model of 1863 Rifle that was manufactured circa 1864. The rifle has a block front sight that serves as a lug for a socket bayonet, Lawrence pellet primer, and patch box. The barrel is blued and the forearm cap, barrel bands, hammer, receiver, side plate, patch box, and butt plate are color casehardened. The screws and small components have a fire blue finish. The stock and forearm are oil-finished, straight grain American walnut. The barrel is roll-stamped: "SHARP'S RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN." in three lines ahead of the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1863" behind it. The Ordnance sub-inspection mark "M.N.M" is stamped on the left barrel flat. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the Sharp's 1848 patent date, and the right side of the receiver and side plate are stamped with the R.S. Lawrence patent date and Sharp's 1852 patent date. The serial number is stamped on the upper receiver tang. The Ordnance final inspection mark, which consists of the script initials "JT" in a rectangle, is stamped on the left stock wrist. Single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most components.

Excellent. The rifle shows only very limited storage and handling wear, appears to be as issued. The barrel retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with bayonet wear near the muzzle. The forearm cap, barrel bands receiver, breech block, lever, and patch box have 80% plus of the original case colors with some fading on contact points. The buttplate has some surface rust on the heel and retains 80% of the case colors. The stock and forearm are excellent with only a few very insignificant storage marks and a screw absent from the forearm. The Ordnance final inspection mark on the left stock wrist is very crisp. This outstanding example of a Civil War Sharps New Model of 1863 Breech-Loading Rifle would be difficult to improve upon!