This Sharps was originally manufactured in 1863-1865 as a percussion carbine for use in the Civil War, and was one of 31,098 carbines returned by the U.S. Government to Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. in 1867, who received a contract for refurbishment and alteration of their rifles for use with metallic cartridges. This is one of around 1,900 altered centerfire carbines with a spring loaded firing pin that retain their original .52 caliber six-groove rifling, intended to fire the 50-70 centerfire round. Standard markings and features. "F" inspector mark on the left side of the barrel, and matching serial number "C,27317" marked underneath the barrel. A faint cartouche is marked on the left of the wrist, and a "DFC" (David F. Clark) ribbon cartouche on the left center of the buttstock, typically found on these rebuilt alteration carbines.