This Sharps New Model 1863 rifle is from the lot of approximately 6,100 Sharps rifles delivered to the Ordnance Department between February and June 1865. Most of these rifles were purchased to arm the U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry (USVVI) regiments raised in 1865 to serve as an elite corps of veteran infantry. The USVVI regiments were issued Sharps, Spencer and Henry rifles and allowed to retain the rifles when they mustered out of service. The USVVI regiments were raised too late to see action. The rifle has the standard Sharps military blue finish on the barrel and casehardened barrel bands, receiver, hammer, lever, patchbox and buttplate. The stock and forearm are oil finished walnut. The rifle has a steel block front sight that serves as a base for a socket bayonet and a R.S. Lawrence patent folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch. The receiver is fitted with the Lawrence patent pellet primer and the stock has an iron patchbox. The top of the barrel is stamped with the Sharps legend in three lines between the lower barrel band and the rear sight. The rear sight base is stamped with Lawrence patent markings, and "NEW MODEL 1863" is stamped on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver. The Sharps 1864 patent date is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The Sharps 1852 patent date is stamped on the right side of the lock plate, and the Lawrence 1859 patent date is stamped on the upper receiver behind the hammer. The serial number "C37290" is roll-stamped on the upper tang. The Ordnance sub-inspection mark "M.N.M." is stamped on the left barrel flat. Two illegible oval Ordnance inspection marks are visible on the left side of the stock wrist. Single and multiple letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on various components. The rifle is fitted with an old leather sling that is not period to the rifle.

Very good. The barrel and barrel bands have a dark patina with scattered spots of age discoloration. The receiver, hammer, lever, patch box and buttplate have 25% of the faded casehardened finish. The percussion nipple, hammer and breechblock show minimal flash pitting. The lower sling swivel is covered with surface rust. The stock and forearm are in good overall condition with moderate handling and storage wear. The action functions perfectly. This is a solid and original example of an important Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 rifle that shows mostly storage wear.