This is unique example of a civilian Sharps New Model of 1859 Carbine manufactured circa 1861. The carbine has a silver plated finish on all components and a varnished straight grain walnut stock and forearm. There are no military inspection or sub-inspection marks on the carbine. The carbine retains the military sling bar and ring and has a complete Lawrence pellet primer. The barrel has a Lawrence patent short leaf folding rear sight with 800 yard center notch. The barrel, rear sight, receiver, and lock plate have the standard Sharps and Lawrence patent markings. The serial number "68930" is stamped on the upper receiver tang. The initials "R.K." are boldly engraved in Old English letters on the top of the barrel over the factory "NEW MODEL 1859" markings. The carbine is equipped with a factory walnut partition case. The case interior has seven compartments and is lined with red baize. The case contain the following: double cavity iron bullet mold marked "NEW MODEL 1866/52" on one leg, adjustable charger powder flask with gold plated top and brown lacquer body embossed with a relief oval hunting scene featuring a hunter, dog and deer, empty original packet of ten 52/100 Sharps cartridges, two original .52 caliber linen cartridges, spare percussion nipple, several lead bullets, several percussion caps and key. None of the accessories are original to the casing. Introduced in 1859, the Sharps New Model 1859 was available as a carbine, military rifle and sporting rifle. The New Model 1859 and its successor the New Model 1863 were quality .52 caliber carbines that were popular among Union Civil War troops. Even the Confederacy manufactured copies of the Sharps carbine in Richmond, Virginia. In actuality Sharps New Model 1859 and New Model 1863 carbines were all one model with the difference in designation being merely a difference in barrel markings, a cleanout screw and minor sight change. 3,000 New Model carbines were manufactured with brass furniture and another 30,000 were manufactured with iron furniture. Silver plated factory examples remained undocumented in SHARPS FIREARMS by noted Sharps expert Frank Sellers, and civilian Sharps New Model carbines are rare given that fact that factory production was devoted to the war effort.

Very fine. The carbine retains 75% of the silver plated finish. Most of the plating on the barrel is intact. The plating on the receiver, hammer, lever has heavy flaking and the underlying metal is dark and has considerable pitting. There is moderate-heavy flash pitting on the top of the breech block and the percussion nipple. The stock and forearm retain most of the varnish finish and are very good. The action functions well. The engraved monogram on the top of the barrel is crisp. The case exterior is fine overall with minor scratches and handling marks and one hairline crack. The interior is good overall. The fine original red baize lining is faded but clean. There are several discolored spots and compression marks in the lid lining from contact with the carbine. The lining on the partitions nearest the hammer and front sight is torn. The powder flask is excellent and retains about 90% of the gold plated and brown lacquer finish. The cartridge packet is good. The bullet mold has a light covering of surface rust and the two linen cartridge are good. This is a unique silver plated inscribed civilian Sharps New Model 1859 carbine with factory partition case creates a one-of-a-kind piece. No similar examples are illustrated in "SHARPS FIREARMS" by Frank Sellers.