Approximately 1,900 Sharps type carbines were manufactured by S.C. Robinson, located in the Confederate capitol of Richmond, for the Confederate Army between 1862-1863 prior to the Confederate government purchasing the S.C. Robinson factory in March 1863 in which they continued to manufacture an additional estimated 3,000 carbines into 1864. Other sources state approximately 5,200 of these carbines were manufactured in total. This example, serial number 4582, would have been manufactured well after the Confederate government assumed control of the factory. Like most Confederate weapons, surviving examples of these carbines are difficult to find in any condition and typically show signs of hard use. They likely saw use primarily with cavalry units like their Union counterparts. Features blade and notch sights, serial number "4582" marked on the upper tang and lock plate, "X" marked on the saddle ring bar mounted with a saddle ring, sling swivel on the bottom of the buttstock, brass barrel band and buttplate. It matches the examples pictured on page 87 of "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers. Large initials "WxC" carved into the left of the buttstock. Information on these carbines and other pictured examples can be found on pages 248-263 of the book "Confederate Carbines & Musketoons" by John M. Murphy and Howard Michael Madaus.

Very good plus as Confederate issued, with smooth brown patina overall and scattered light pitting and surface corrosion. There is some battering around the lever and lever pin. Wood is good as sanded and re-oiled with numerous scattered scratches and dents, a few gouges ahead of the barrel band, a chip at the left below the breech, and some cracks at the right ahead of the buttplate. Mechanically fine. This rare Richmond "Sharps" carbine serves as an important solid representative example of one of the most iconic Confederate weapons!