This New Model 1863 is fitted with a reproduction "Coffee Mill" with the detachable handle attached on the left side. (Known examples have handle on the right). This mill was invented by Lieut. Col. Walter King of the 4th Missouri Cavalry and was actually intended to grind grain to feed the cavalry during raids. Fewer than one hundred Sharps are believed to have been fitted with the device; some sources indicate that only twelve are known to have survived. A similar example is pictured on pages 350-351 of THE WILLIAM M. LOCKE COLLECTION by Frank Sellers. The top of the barrel is marked "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1863" at the breech. The left rear barrel flat is marked "E.A.W." The lock is marked "C. SHARPS' PAT./OCT. 5TH 1852" and "R.S. LAWRENCE'S PAT/APRIL 12TH 1859". The right side of the receiver is marked "C. SHARPS PAT/SEPT. 12TH 1848". "H.H.H." is marked on the saddle ring bar mount. It has a pinned blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight with Lawrence patent marked base and the ladder graduated to 800 yards (sliding ladder bar absent). It is mounted with a smooth walnut stock and forearm with a single barrel band and a carbine style iron buttplate. A faint "D??" cartouche is visible near the mill on the left side of the butt.

Good as custom modified/assembled. The rifle features a mottled gray/brown patina with some light pitting and oxidation and various minor nicks and scratches overall. The grinder components have an aged patina with some brown on the arm. There is some more significant pitting on the buttplate. The wood is good with various scrapes and dings as is typical for a weapon that saw hard use.