Manufactured from 1859 to 1866, this rifle is one of approximately 4,200 New Model 1859 Military rifles contracted by the Army. This particular rifle falls into the serial number range, (36,000 to 57,000 Sellers) of the rifles issued to Col. Hiram Berdan's 1st and 2nd Regiments of U.S. Sharpshooters in 1862. The rifle falls well within that range and has a bayonet lug and double set triggers, one of the two variations of Berdan rifles described in Frank Sellers book "Sharps Firearms". The top of the barrel is marked "SHARP'S RIFLE / MANUFG CO. / HARTFORD CONN", partially covered by the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1859" behind the rear sight. The left side of the receiver is marked "C.SHARPS' PAT. / SEP. 12TH 1848" and the lock is marked "R.S.LAWRENCE PAT. / APRIL 12TH 1859" and "C. SHARPS' PAT. / OCT. 5TH 1852". The rear sight spring is marked " R.S.LAWRENCE / PATENTED / FEB 15TH 1859". The back of the breechblock is marked with the letter "L". The serial number is marked on the upper tang. The barrel was blue, with frame, lock, hammer, lever and iron mountings casehardened. Brass blade front sight, adjustable folding leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards, and mounted with a smooth full walnut forearm with an iron end cap and three barrel bands with a sling swivel on the middle band and straight grip stock.

Good. The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray and brown patina, and dark smooth patina on the lever, patch box and buttplate. The revarnished wood is good with overall minor dents, dings and scratches. Markings are clear. The action is fine.