This is both a solid and attractive representative example of one of the approximately 1,900 "first type" Sharps style carbines that were manufactured by S.C. Robinson, located in the Confederate capitol of Richmond, for the Confederate Army in 1862 and 1863. The Confederate government purchased the S.C. Robinson factory in March 1863 and manufactured another estimated 3,000 "second type" carbines. Other sources state approximately 5,200 of these carbines were manufactured in total. 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. The lock plate is roll-stamped "S.C. ROBINSON/ARMS MANUFACTORY/RICHMOND.VA/1862," and the top of the barrel has thick varnish obscuring the markings that read "S.C. ROBINSON/ARMS MANUFACTORY" in front of the fixed notch rear sight and "RICHMOND.VA/1862" behind it. The barrel has a "pinched" blade front and dovetail mounted notch rear sight. The matching serial number "1810" is visible on the rear of the lock plate and the upper tang. The barrel band and buttplate are brass.

Very good, well above average for a Confederate weapon with dark brown patina, moderate oxidation and pitting, dark aged patina on the brass, and moderate overall wear. The wood is good and has a period applied coat of protective varnish, mild surface chips and divots, some general moderate scrapes and dings, some cracks, and chunk out of the rear of the forearm. Mechanically fine.