This is one of 263 Sharps Model 1855 Navy Rifles manufactured circa 1856. These rifles are identical in contour to the carbine and retained the carbine forearm and were equipped with the longer barrel with a lug mounted on the underside for a saber type bayonet (not included). The top of the barrel at the breech and in front of the rear sight under the barrel band is marked "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN" followed by an anchor. The upper receiver tang is marked "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" followed by the serial number which is also marked below the forearm and places this rifle in the correct range for those received by the U.S. Navy. The primer cover is marked "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE 1845". "N/37" is marked on the inside of the patch box door. Fixed blade front sight, folding leaf rear sight graduated 1-4 on the mount and to 8 on the ladder. It has a blue barrel, casehardened receiver and lock, brass barrel band, patch box and buttplate and is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock.

Good. The barrel has a mostly retouched brown finish with some original blue finish in small patches and in the protected area beneath the forearm. The receiver, lock, lever and lower tang have a gray patina with light pitting and some oxidation. The upper portion of the receiver and the tang also have the brown refinishing. The brass components on the butt have an attractive aged patina while the barrel band has been cleaned to bright. There are various scratches and marks overall. The sanded and refinished wood has some small dents, minor scratches, a small hairline crack behind the rear screw on the forearm, a small chip and a hairline crack on the left side of the forearm ahead of the barrel band, a crack below the patch box mirrored on the left side, and a faintly visible repair on the toe. Mechanically excellent.