These rifles were manufactured in 1865. The Ordnance Department purchased a number of Sharps rifles to arm the U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry regiments formed in 1865 to serve as an elite infantry corps. The U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry regiments were armed with Sharps, Spencer and Henry rifles. As an incentive to enlist, volunteers were allowed to retain their weapons when they were discharged. The Civil War ended before the U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry regiments saw action thus explaining the comparably good condition of many New Model 1863 rifles including this fine example. 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 "MNM". The lock is marked "C. SHARPS' PAT./OCT. 5TH 1852" and "R.S. LAWRENCE' PAT/APRIL 12TH 1859". The right side of the receiver is marked "C. SHARPS PAT/SEPT. 12TH 1848" and the matching serial number is marked on upper tang and on the bottom of the barrel. It has a pinned blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight with Lawrence patent marked base and the ladder graduated to 800 yards. It is mounted with a smooth full length walnut stock with three barrel bands (sling swivel on the center band), a faded cartouche on the left wrist, carbine style iron buttplate, sling swivel and patch box.

Very good. The blue finish on the barrel has thinned to form a smooth brown patina which is also present over the casehardened surfaces. The revarnished wood is very good as refinished with some scattered scratches throughout and a nick on the top of the comb. All of the markings are clear and the action is excellent.