Lot 3285: Sharps New Model 1863 Breech Loading Percussion Military Rifle

Only 6,150 New Model 1863 rifles with front sights doubling as bayonet lugs were manufactured (C,30000-C,40000 range) compared to over 60,000 New Model 1863 carbines making them a desirable Sharps variation. The barrel has the three-line Hartford address ahead of the Lawrence folding ladder rear sight, "NEW MODEL 1863" at the breech and "M.N.M." on the left side at the breech. The front sight is a period replacement. The left side of the frame has the two-line Sharps patent marking and "M." The lock has the Sharps and Lawrence patent markings. There is a patch box on the right side of the stock. Includes a socket bayonet. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Very good. The barrel has a crisp smooth dark brown patina. The barrel bands and forend cap retain 50% original blue finish. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth brown patina overall. The refinished wood is also very good with some minor dings and scratches. The bayonet is very good with a mixture of brown and gray patinas. Mechanically excellent.