This is one of approximately 1,900 Sharps type carbines that were manufactured by S.C. Robinson, located in the Confederate capitol of Richmond, for the Confederate Army between 1862-1863. The Confederate government purchased the S.C. Robinson factory in March 1863 and manufactured an additional estimated 3,000 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 is marked "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. Matching serial number "171" marked on the rear of the lock plate, upper tang, and underneath the breech end of the barrel. Brass barrel band and buttplate. Initials "JWB" lightly carved into the left of the buttstock. Information on these carbines and other examples pictured can be found on pages 248-263 of the book, "Confederate Carbines & Musketoons" by John M. Murphy and Howard Michael Madaus.

Fair, exhibiting genuine Confederate use with dark brown patina overall, extensive scattered moderate pitting, and mostly clear markings in the metal. Brass barrel band and buttplate retain an attractive untouched dark patina with scattered dings from period use. Wood is good as re-oiled with scattered dings and scratches, a re-glued cracked section at the right tip of the forend, a re-glued cracked section at the left of the forearm below the breech, a chip behind the upper left rear of the frame, a re-glued chip and a crack behind the lock, a crack behind the side plate, a few small cracks behind the upper tang, some cracks around the buttplate tang, and a chip at the toe. Mechanically fine. This rare S.C. Robinson "Sharps" carbine serves as an important Confederate weapon, and proudly displays signs of hard combat use. A solid representative example of one of the most iconic Confederate weapons!