This is an example of a Sharps New Model 1859 Rifle that was manufactured in 1862 as part of a 2,000-gun contract to arm the 1st and 2nd United States Sharpshooter Regiments (Berdan's Sharpshooters). The rifle has the distinctive combination of double set triggers and front sight stud for angular socket bayonet that are found on all of the 2,000 M1859 Rifles ordered by the Ordnance Department on January 27 and February 6, 1862 at the request of Colonel Hiram Berdan for issue to the U.S. Sharpshooter Regiments. Most of the documented Berdan Sharps Rifles are found in the 54,374-57,574 serial number range. This rifle, serial number 54,478, is listed on page 98 of "SHARPSHOOTER" by Wiley Sword as one of 47 Model 1859 Sharps Rifles identified by Sword in the correct serial number range with double set triggers and angular bayonet mount. Approximately 180 of the Sharps rifles purchased for Berdan's Sharpshooters were issued to the famous 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry (Bucktails) in August 1862 and were used by that hard-fighting regiment throughout the Civil War. The rifle has a bayonet lug front sight base with steel blade and R.S. Lawrence folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch. The lock has the R.S. Lawrence patent pellet primer and factory double set triggers. The walnut forearm has a steel tip. The walnut stock has a casehardened iron patch box with Ordnance punch dot inspection mark on the inside of the lid. The Ordnance sub-inspector's initials "S.L." are stamped on the left barrel flat. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN." in three lines ahead of the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1859" in a single line between the rear sight and the receiver. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the two-line Sharps 1848 patent date. The R.S. Lawrence 1859 patent date is located behind the hammer and "C.SHARPS PAT/OCT.5th 1852" is roll-stamped on the lock plate. The serial number is stamped on the upper tang. The 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters were among the most famous and effective Federal regiments in the Civil War. Their distinctive Sharps Model 1859 set trigger rifles saw action in most of the major battles in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged and are some of the most historic and desirable weapons of the Civil War.