A rare example of one of the 2000 Sharps New Model 1859 Rifles with double-set triggers that were purchased by the Ordnance Department in 1862 for issue to the 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooter regiments (Berdan's Sharpshooters). The sharpshooter regiments were recruited by expert rifleman Hiram Berdan from the best marksmen in the Northern states. The majority of the 2000 New Model 1859 set-trigger rifles were issued to the 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters between April and June 1862. Armed with Sharps rifles and wearing unique green uniforms, the two U.S.S. regiments fought with distinction in nearly every major engagement of the Army of the Potomac from the Peninsular Campaign to the Siege of Petersburg. A small number of New Model 1859 Rifles intended for issue to the 1st and 2nd U.S.S. were issued to the 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry ("Bucktails") which had an equally distinguished combat record. This rifle has the unique characteristics of Berdan Sharps Rifles which include: (1) serial number in the 54390-57574 range, (2) factory double-set triggers and (3) barrel fitted with a block front sight for an angular socket bayonet. The rifle has the correct R.S. Lawrence patent folding rear sight with 900 yard center notch. The receiver has a Lawrence pellet primer and the stock has a casehardened patch box. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG.CO./HARTFORD CONN." in three lines ahead of rear sight and "NEW MODEL OF 1859" in a single line behind it. The Ordnance Department sub-inspector's initials "SL" are stamped on the left barrel flat. "C. SHARPS' PAT/OCT.5th 1852." is stamped on the lock plate and "R.S. LAWRENCES' PAT./APRIL 12th 1859" is stamped on the right side of the receiver below the pellet primer. The left side of the receiver is stamped: "C. SHARPS' PAT./SEPT.13th 1848" in two lines. The serial number, "54391" is stamped on the upper receiver tang and on the underside of the barrel beneath the forearm.

Very good. The rifle shows the wear that is typical of Berdan Sharps Rifles; nearly all of these rifles were issued and saw extensive combat service. The barrel has a deep brown patina with no pitting and clear markings. The casehardened finish on the receiver, hammer and lever has a mottled gray-brown patina. The hammer has some pitting on both sides near the face. The Lawrence pellet primer is complete. The breechblock has a dark patina with some minor pitting on the top. The receiver markings are very clear. The casehardened finish on the buttplate has aged to a smooth, dark brown patina. The casehardened patch box has traces of the mottled case colors. The casehardened barrel bands have a deep brown patina. The walnut forearm is in very good condition with moderate handling wear and a two-inch, hair-line crack in the bottom at the receiver end. The walnut stock is in very good condition with moderate handling wear. The Ordnance final inspection stamp on the left stock wrist has been obscured by handing. This is a very good, solid, original, example of a very desirable Berdan Sharpshooters Sharps New Model 1859 Double Set Trigger Rifle.