This rifle was manufactured circa 1860 as a New Model 1859 and subsequently converted to cartridge post Civil War. It falls in the range of Sharps rifles issued to Berdans U.S. Sharpshooters during the war. It has a blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight, standard New Model patent and address markings, a musket style forend, straight wrist stock with patch box, and sling swivels on the middle barrel band and bottom of the buttstock. Only 1,086 New Model rifles are believed to have been converted after the war to fire the newly adopted 50-70 centerfire cartridge compared to over 27,000 carbines also adapted to 50-70 centerfire with three groove rifling.

Fair. The rifle has primarily a dark brown patina overall mixed with traces of the arsenal blue finish, extensive mild pitting, and some light oxidation. The reoiled stock and forearm are both very good with handling/storage type marks and mild wear at the barrel bands. The left flat has a crisp cartouche. The action is fine, and most of the markings are legible.