This is a rare example of 1 of just 100 Sharps Model 1855 Martial marked carbines with a 19 inch barrel in 577 caliber purchased by the U.S. Navy in July of 1857. Marked on the upper tang "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" and "21220", and "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE 1845" on the tape primer door. Blade front sight and a rear sight with four folding leaves and a center notch graduated 2, 3, 4, and 6. British "crown/2" proof is hidden on the top right underneath the barrel band, underneath the barrel marked with a period matching number "21220", a scratched out "20564", and "59" at the breech end. It is fitted with a smooth walnut forearm with a hand written "59" inside the channel, and a straight wrist stock with a brass patchbox and buttplate. Inspection mark on the front plate of the brass patchbox "I/SCR/1857", and marked "USN" on top of the buttplate with two five-pointed stars between the letters. Includes scanned copies of pages 107-109 of the book "Civil War Carbines, Volume II, The early years." by John D. McAulay in which this exact carbine is photographed and described out of the authors collection. On pg. 109 it states, "By June 1857, the Sharps factory had completed their British contract for the Model 1855." Having additional carbines left over, 100 were delivered to the Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York, "... The U.S. Navy Model 1855 Sharps carbines inspected by Commander [Stephen C.] Rowan were stamped with the letters U.S.N. on the brass buttplate and on the patchbox: I/SCR/1857... Many of these M1855 Sharps carbines were issued to the Marines during the later part of 1857-1859 period. They likely remained in the Navy inventory throughout the Civil War."

Very good showing genuine Naval use, with a mottled brown patina overall and some areas of light pitting, and clear markings. The lever and tape primer cover retain 40% plus original blue finish with scattered brown patina. The brass has an attractively aged patina. The wood is good with scattered dents, chips, scratches, and two 1 inch cracks at the toe. Mechanically excellent. An extremely rare example of an early U.S. Navy purchased Sharps M1855 carbine.