This is an example of an extremely rare Sharps Model 1855 U.S. Navy rifle, one of approximately 263 manufactured in 1856 with a saber bayonet lug and guide. They were serial numbered in the 20000 to 21000 range. The Navy received 201 of these rifles in 1857 with a small amount going to 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". The underside of the barrel and forearm channel are both marked with the matching serial number "20297". The primer door is marked "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE 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 to 900 at the top notch, casehardened finish on the lock and frame, blue remaining steel parts, a smooth walnut forearm with screw retained brass barrel band (screw absent), and a straight grip stock with a brass patch box and carbine style buttplate. "N/31" is marked on the inside of the patch box and patch box door.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled brown patina with strong traces of original blue finish on the barrel, showing some pin type pitting, and clear markings. The brass components have an attractive aged patina. The wood is also very good with some scattered minor dents and dings, a chip and cracks on both sides of the front end of the forearm, a chip behind the left of the frame, and cracks behind the upper tang and lock. Absent barrel band screw. Mechanically excellent. A nice solid example of an extremely rare Sharps Model 1855 U.S. Navy rifle.