This Sharps New Model 1863 Rifle belonged to Private Patrick Downey of the New Jersey Company I, 5th Regiment and Company G, 7th Regiment during the American Civil War. Research provided by the consignor lists Private Downey as serving three years with the New Jersey Volunteers from December 11, 1861 to December 11, 1864. Records indicate that Downey began his military service with Co. I, 5th Regiment and was later transferred to Co. G, 7th Regiment. This rifle has a diamond silver overlay on the left side of the buttstock which is engraved "PATRICK DOWNEY/CO. I./5TH REGT. N.J.V." The rifle is equipped with blade front and Lawrence patent ladder rear sights. The top of the barrel is stamped with the three line Sharp's address ahead of the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1863" at the breech with "M.N.M." inspector initials stamped on the left side. The lock plate has the Lawrence and Sharps patent dates with the 1848 Sharps patent date on the left side of the receiver. Smooth straight grip stock with metal forend cap, three barrel bands, sling swivels, a pair of cartouches stamped on the left side of the wrist, and patch box. The 5th Regiment was organized at Camp Olden, Trenton, N.J., and mustered in August 22, 1861. The New Jersey regiment left for Washington, D.C. and was attached to Casey's Provisional Division, Army of the Potomac, to October, 1861. The regiment was then attached to the 3rd Brigade, Hooker's Division, Army of the Potomac, until March, 1862, to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 3rd Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, until March, 1864. and finally with the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Army Corps, before being consolidated with the 7th New Jersey Infantry on November 6, 1864. The 5th Regiment lost 12 officers and 126 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded with another 85 enlisted men by disease. The regiment's service record included the Battle of Williamsburg, Battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines, Pope's Campaign in Northern Virginia, defenses of Washington, Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Spotsylvania, and Assault on the Salient.

Very good. The barrel retains 60% thinned original blue finish. The remaining metal surfaces have a crisp mottled gray patina. The period varnished preserved wood is fine with crisp cartouches, some minor pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.