Early production Sharps Model 1859 Rifle with barrel lug for saber bayonet manufactured in 1862. The U.S. Army contracted for 3600 Model 1859 Rifles with saber bayonets and the U.S. Navy purchased 2800 Model 1859 Rifles with saber bayonets; all of these rifles were issued and saw extensive service during the Civil War. The three band rifle has an iron patch box, unaltered Lawrence pellet primer and Lawrence patent folding leaf rear sight with 800 yard center notch. There are sling swivels on the stock and lower barrel band. The right side plate is roll-stamped: "C. SHARPS' PAT./OCT.5th 1852" behind the hammer and "R.S. LAWRENCE' PAT./APRIL 12th 1859." below the pellet primer. "C. SHARPS PAT./SEPT. 12th 1848" is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The two-line Sharp's legend is stamped on the top of the barrel between the lower barrel band and the rear sight. "NEW MODEL 1859" is stamped between the rear sight and the receiver and the rear sight base has Lawrence patent markings. The serial number, "33727" is stamped on the upper receiver tang. The rifle has no visible Ordnance inspection or sub-inspection marks on the left side of the stock wrist or left barrel flat.

Good. The rifle has the typical handling wear of weapons that were issued and used during the Civil War. The barrel, receiver, buttplate and patch box have a smooth, dark patina with scattered patches of discoloration. The percussion nipple, hammer and breechblock show minimal flash pitting. The markings on the barrel and receiver are faint but legible. The stock and forearm are lightly sanded and reoiled with moderate-heavy handling wear but no damage or repairs. The pellet primer components are all intact. This is a solid representative example of an early production Sharps Model 1859 Rifle with saber bayonet lug that appears to have been issued and used in the Civil War.