This is 1 of only about 1,000 New Model 1865 rifles manufactured. It is estimated that there were only 1,086 rifles converted for cartridges, making this example even more rare. This example has a blade front sight and an "R.S. LAWRENCE" marked rear sight on the barrel which has 6 groove rifling. The lock plate is stamped with the Sharps patent marking and is also stamped with the R.S. Lawrence patent marking by the tape primer. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm secured with an end cap and 3 bands, and a straight grip walnut stock with patch box, a small brass disc stamped "52" and a curved steel buttplate.

Very good. There is a mostly smooth dark brown patina overall with some areas of oxidation and scattered dings and scratches. The wood is also very good with scattered dings, scratches, a sliver absent from the comb and a small hairline crack extending from the top tang of the buttplate to the brass disc. Mechanically fine.