Second Type S.C. Robinson copy of a Model 1859 Sharps carbine manufactured by the Confederate government after the purchase of the Robinson factory in Richmond, Virginia, in March 1863. The Confederate government manufactured an estimated 3000 Robinson/Sharps type carbines c. 1863-1864. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "RICHMOND.VA" behind the rear sight. The serial number "2711" is stamped on the rear of the lock plate and on the top of the upper receiver tang. The carbine generally resembles the Model 1859 Sharps Carbine with several significant differences; (1) the front sight is tapered iron, (2) the rear sight is a fixed V-notch, (3) the receiver has no provision for a pellet primer, (4) the lock plate has a low profile, (5) the sling bar is attached to an iron plate inletted into the left side of the stock and the edge of the receiver and (6) the stock does not have a patch box. The forearm has a brass barrel band. The stock is fitted with a sling swivel and brass buttplate. The stock and forearm are oil-finished walnut. Workmanship on Robinson/Richmond Sharps carbines is relatively crude compared to Hartford Sharps carbines. The Robinson/Richmond Sharps carbines were important Confederate weapons. Original examples are rare and inevitably display the effects of hard wartime service.

Fair. The carbine shows the hard wear associated with nearly all Confederate weapons and is surprisingly well above average. The barrel is bulged about four-inches from the muzzle. The brass barrel band is a modern replacement. The barrel, receiver and iron components have a dark brown patina. The barrel and receiver have numerous dents and scratches. The hammer and breech block are heavily flash pitted. The brass buttplate has patches of age discoloration and numerous minor dents and scratches. The stock and forearm are in fair condition and show the same hard wear as the metal components. The forearm has numerous dents and scratches and has a period spliced repair on the bottom. The stock also shows numerous dents and scratches and has a chip missing on the left side of the buttplate heel and a period, tack-repaired crack in the buttplate comb. This carbine clearly saw hard service and is a historic example of a key Confederate cavalry arm.