This is an example of an extremely rare Sharps Model 1855 U.S. Navy rifle. Sharps only manufactured approximately 263 of these rifles in 1856. They were serial numbered in the 20000 to 21000 range. The Navy received 200 of these rifles in 1857 with a small amount going to each the USS Wabash, USS Merrimack, USS Mississippi, and the USS Minnesota. The barrel is fitted with a stud on the underside near the muzzle for a saber bayonet. The top of the barrel near the breech is marked "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN" reading from breech to muzzle, and next to that is the naval anchor stamp found on these rifles. The primer door is marked "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTED 1845," and the upper tang is marked "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" followed by the serial number. It also has a blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight graduated 5 to 8, casehardened finish on the lock and frame, blue remaining steel parts, a smooth walnut forearm that is slightly longer than the carbine forearm with a brass barrel band, and a straight grip stock with a brass patch box and carbine style buttplate.

Very good plus. The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled brown patina, while the primer door retains almost all of the original blue finish, showing some pin type pitting. The brass components have a dark natural untouched aged patina. The wood is fine with a some scattered minor dents and dings. The toe has an old nailed repair that remains solid. The markings are all readable. The action is excellent. A nice solid example of an extremely rare Sharps Model 1855 U.S. Navy rifle.