This is an extraordinary example of 1 of the 6,000 British Contract Sharps Model 1855 Carbines. This carbine is accompanied by a hand written evaluation and appraisal by the worlds foremost expert on the Sharps Manufacturing Company and Author of the of the book "Sharps Firearms", Mr. Frank Sellers, dated May 15, 1989, on his letter head and signed by Frank. In his letter Mr. Sellers states, "It is probably the finest example of one of these carbines in existence" and further "I only know of a few that survived with any finish at all, let alone the amount that yours has." Most of these Model 1855 carbine were purchased by the British Government and issued to troops in India where they saw extremely hard service. The upper tang is marked "SHARPS / PATENT / 1848" followed by the serial number and the primer door is marked "EDWARD MAYNARD / PATENTEE 1845." The British contract called for no maker's markings or country of origin be put on the various parts of the carbines, but some of them managed to get through. The left rear of the barrel is marked with a "Crown / TP / board arrow" and "Crown / A / 2" proofmarks. This carbine is equipped with a brass buttplate and patch box, but an iron barrel band, indicating that it was part of the second half of the contract. The first half had brass barrel bands. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and a four leaf rear sight, which was a British design and was specified in this contract. It was not used on any other Sharps. The carbine is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm stamped with collection inventory number"1567" on the right rear, and straight grip stock with a bright saddle ring bar and ring on the left wrist. In his letter Mr. Sellers states, "The number on the right side of the forearm indicates that the gun was in the collection exhibited by the U.S. Cartridge Co. at the 1903(4) Worlds Fair." The numbers are from the Brooks Collection which U.S.C.C. bought to make the exhibit.

Near new. The barrel retains 99% plus of the original plum blue finish, with only a few minor dings. The receiver assembly retains at least 99% plus original bright vivid case colors. The brass is bright. The buttstock and forearm are both excellent plus with only a few minor handling marks caused by saddle ring. The proofmarks and markings are crisp and clear. The mechanics are excellent. Rock Island Auction is proud and excited to offer this marvelous carbine.