Reportedly, 6,686 of these carbines were purchased for the U.S. Navy between 1862-1865 during the Civil War, according to "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition, 5F-091). The leather cover on the barrel was designed to protect the barrel from corrosive saltwater; many are badly damaged or absent due to these carbines seeing extensive service, with this example being an exception. Blade front sight, adjustable rear sight, "SHARPS/PATENT/1859" marked on the left side of the frame with "SHARPS/&/HANKINS/PHILADA." on the right, and the matching visible serial number "11417" on the underside of the barrel, lever and on the upper tang. The consignor indicated this carbine was purchased from J. W. Hullf on October 8, 1973. Provenance: The J. W. Hullf Collection; Private Collection