This unique firearm is discussed in detail in an article by the A.C. Atterbury in the April 1981 issue of Gun Report (included). The weapon is one of many Sharps converted after the Civil War to rifle cartridges. Some rifles and carbine were converted a second time into "Forager Arms" or 20 gauge shotguns which used brass cased shells. The article notes that Frank Sellers advised another inquirer of a group of carbines purchased as surplus from the government by Francis Bannerman and Sons were bored out and sold as inexpensive shotguns in 1903 (this is also covered on page 184 of Sellers book Sharps Firearms). The author indicates that his father-in-law had paid the same $3.00 price Sellers mentions. A previous Gun Report article in 1960 notes that these arms are hard to find in good condition since they were used at government outposts for occasional hunting use. Thus, given the condition of this example, it would make a great addition to the right collection. It has a pinched front sight and notch rear sight and is marked "NEW MODEL 1863" behind the rear sight. It has a modified barrel that is part octagon and threads into a portion of an older barrel just ahead of the rear sight. The lock plate is marked "C.Sharps' PAT/OCT. 5th 1852" and the serial number is marked on the upper tang. Additional patent marks are found on the left side of the frame. It has a saddle ring bar on the left side (ring absent) and is fitted with a smooth forearm that is pinned and a smooth straight grip buttstock with patchbox and smooth buttplate.

Fair. The shotgun has an overall gray patina with scattered minor marks as well as some small dings and scratches. The wood is very good with a repair just behind the lockplate and a crack beneath it near the trigger with otherwise only some small pressure marks and minor scratches throughout. Mechanically fine. This unique Sharps conversion shotgun is in great condition given the history of these "foragers" and will make a great addition to a collection.