Original Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 Rifle with original black saddle leather sling. The rifle has a blue barrel with case-hardened receiver, lever, patch box, butt plate, barrel bands and forend tip. The block front sight base has a nickel-sliver blade and serves as a base for a socket bayonet. The rifle has a R.S. Lawrence patent folding rear sight with 900 yard center notch. The receiver has the original Lawrence pellet primer. The stock and forearm are oil-finished black walnut. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "SHARPS' RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1863" behind it. The left barrel flat is stamped with the Ordnance Department sub-inspector's initials "M,N.M.". The left side of the receiver is stamped: "C.SHARPS' PAT./SEPT. 12th 1848" and the right side is stamped: "C.SHARPS' PAT.OCT.5th 1852" and "R.S. LAWRENCE PAT./APRL 12th 1859.". The serial number, "C,38506" is located on the upper receiver tang. The left side of the stock wrist is stamped with script Ordnance inspector's and sub-inspector's stamps with oval borders. The sub-inspector's initials "T.W.R." are stamped on the forearm bottom and on the stock comb in front of the buttplate. The initial "M" is stamped on most major components. The Ordnance Department purchased 9,141 Sharps Rifles during the Civil War. Many of the New Model 1863 Rifles were issued to the U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiments raised in early 1865 and armed with Sharps, Spencer or Henry rifles.

Very fine. The rifle appears to be un-issued and retains at least 95% of the original, military blue, finish on the barrel and approximately 50% of the color case-hardened finish on the other components. The case colors of the barrel bands have faded to a dove gray patina and the butt plate has some scattered age discoloration. The hammer and receiver have some age spotting and fading but retain most of the original case colors. The breech block and other niter blue components have a dark brown patina. The bore is bright and the barrel and receiver markings are sharp. The Lawrence pellet primer is complete. The stock and forearm are very fine with 'feathered' wood grain and minimal handling and storage wear with a hairline crack present between the screw and face of the receiver. The Ordnance inspection and sub-inspection marks are clear. The scarce Civil War sling is in good condition with moderate wear. This is an exceptional, original, Sharps New Model 1863 Rifle.