This is an example of one of the Civil War Sharps New Model Carbines that were converted post Civil War to fire the .50-70 Government center fire cartridge. This carbine has the three groove barrel. These carbines were completely refurbished by Sharps during the conversion process and if needed the stocks were replaced with ones not having a patch box, some of the carbines retained the patch box, which is the case with this example. The barrels were blue with casehardened barrel band, receiver, lever, hammer, and buttplate. The sling bar and ring were finished bright. The carbine has a brass front sight blade and folding, adjustable leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards, and the percussion Lawrence pellet priming system. The top of the barrel is marked with the three line sharps address ahead of the rear sight, (very faint), and New Model marking at the breech is not visible. The lock is marked with the Sharps and Lawrence patent dates and the left side of the frame is marked with the Sharps patent marking, (very faint) with the serial number on the upper tang. Mounted with a smooth oil finished black walnut forearm and straight grip stock with the "DFC" ribbon cartouche on the left side and iron patch box on the right side.

Fine as arsenal refurbished with 60% blue finish remaining on the barrel with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The lock and frame show 40% case colors, the hammer has case colors in protected areas, traces on the lever and the balance is a smooth gray patina. The wood remains very good with some scattered minor dings and dents, and a dark patina on the patch box. The saddle ring bar has been crudely reattached to the base, possibly during the period of usage (looks like a blacksmith job). The action is excellent.