Sharps New Model 1859 rifle with lug for saber bayonet on the underside of the replaced New Model 1863 barrel (number C39491). Approximately 1,000 Sharps New Model 1863 rifles were manufactured with saber bayonet lugs. (This particular example is unique in that it is numbered in the 1859 serial range, just after the Berdan Sharpshooter Rifle!) Surviving examples are scarce. The rifle has a military blue 30 inch barrel with steel block front sight and R.S. Lawrence patent folding leaf rear sight with 1,000 yard center notch. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1863" behind it. The forearm tip, barrel bands, receiver, hammer, side plate, lever, patch box and buttplate are casehardened with vivid case colors. A complete R.S. Lawrence pellet primer is mounted on the receiver. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped "C. SHARPS' PAT./SEPT. 12th 1848" in two-lines. "C. SHARPS' PAT./OCT 5TH 1852." is stamped in two-lines on the side plate and "R.S. LAWRENCE' PAT./APRIL 12th 1859" is roll-stamped in two-lines on the right side of the receiver behind the hammer. The serial number "57434" is roll-stamped on the upper receiver tang. The screws, Lawrence pellet primer, breechblock lever and breechblock have a fiery, niter blue finish. The left barrel flat is stamped with a small block letter "T.W.R." Ordnance sub-inspection mark. An illegible sub-inspection mark is stamped on the bottom of the forearm at the junction with the receiver. Single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on several components. The left side of the stock wrist is not stamped with the script, oval, Ordnance sub-inspection and final inspection marks found on most U.S. contract Civil War firearms.

Near mint, as possibly Arsenal upgraded to New Model 1863 Specification. The rifle appears to be un-fired and shows only the slightest amount of storage wear. The barrel has nearly 100% of the military blue finish with perfect markings and a mirror bright bore. The forearm tip, barrel bands, receiver, side plate, hammer, lever, patch box and buttplate retain nearly all of the casehardened finish with vivid, unfaded case colors. The screws, pellet primer, breechblock lever, breechblock and band springs retain most of the fire blue finish. The stock and forearm are in nearly perfect condition; the wood is dry with unhandled grain. This is a stunning example of a 150 year old 1859 Sharps New Model 1863 Rifle in near mint condition.