Manufactured circa 1859 to 1866, approximately 4,300 of these New Model 1859 rifles were contracted to the government (1,500 Army and 2,800 Navy). Marked "SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO / HARTFORD, CONN" and "NEW MODEL 1859" on top of the barrel. Blade front sight, R.S. Lawrence patent rear sight, three barrel bands with sling swivel on the middle band, patch box and single trigger. The standard two line Sharps patent dates are marked on the sides of the receiver, with the R.S. Lawrence patent date on the right side. It is equipped with a barrel mounted lug for a sword bayonet, mounted with a full forearm with iron end cap and a leather sling. "RUCA" and "58"are stamped near the buttplate tang.

Very good plus. The barrel has a mottled dark patina with some minor pitting (more concentrated at the rear). Action has a smooth dark patina with mostly silvered out case colors remaining on the hammer and receiver along with some minor pitting (some deeper pitting on the lever). The patch box and buttplate have a dark mottled patina with some minor spotting and pitting. The wood is fine with some minor dings and scratches, along with a minor gouge on the forearm (left side) which has a hairline crack on the underside near the frame. Mechanically fine.