Originally a Civil War Sharps New Model 1859 carbine that has been converted to a breech loading shotgun, likely in the post-Civil War era due to a surplus of these weapons and the popularity of shotguns out West. The "NEW MODEL 1859" marked barrel is converted to smoothbore and measures at approximately 28 gauge, with a period modified reshaped blade front sight and standard ladder rear sight. Left side mounted sling bar and ring. Absent pellet primer internals (does not otherwise affect functionality of the gun).