This is an extremely rare example of the approximately 263 Model 1855 Navy rifles manufactured by the Sharps Rifle Co., circa 1856. At least 200 of these rifles were received by the U.S. Navy in 1857 and issued to the frigates USS Wabash, USS Merrimack, USS Plymouth, USS Mississippi, and USS Minnesota. The rifle has a distinctive 27 inch round barrel with stud for a saber bayonet near the muzzle and a carbine forearm. The barrel has a block-mounted iron front sight and a long range, folding leaf, rear sight graduated to 400 yards. The slant breech receiver has a Maynard tape-priming device marked "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE 1856" on the magazine door. The side of the lock plate is marked "R. WHITE'S/PATENT/1855". Approximately 50 of the Navy Model 1855 rifles were initially manufactured with a Rollin White self-cocking device. All but 12 of the Rollin White rifles were rejected by the Navy and the remaining 38 were returned to Sharps to have the Rollin White devices removed. The 38 altered Model 1855 Navy rifles retained the "R. WHITE" patent markings on the lock plate. The remaining 201 Model 1855 Navy rifles had Sharps markings on the lock plate. This is one of the very few Model 1855 Navy rifles with "R WHITE" marked lock plate extant. The upper receiver tang is marked "SHARP'S/PATENT/1848" in three lines followed by the serial number "20430". The barrel band, patch box and buttplate are brass. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut. An illegible Navy final inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the stock wrist. ,

Good. The barrel, receiver and iron components have a smooth, plum brown patina. The primer magazine, lock plate and receiver markings are crisp. The barrel markings are not legible. The brass furniture has been polished in the past but has developed a good looking patina. The stock and forearm have been reoiled but remain in very good overall condition. The Maynard tape primer is complete and functional. This is an extremely rare example of a scarce Sharps Model 1855 Navy Breech Loading rifle that is one of the 38 examples with "R. WHITE" markings on the lock plate and standard Sharps Model 1855 action.