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LOT 1183
Exceptional Civil War U.S. Contract Sharps New Model 1863 Military Percussion Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. C,38166, 52 cal., 36 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Approximately 6,150 Sharps New Model 1863 Military rifles with a front sight doubling as a bayonet lug were manufactured in the C,30000-C,40000 serial range, compared to over 60,000 New Model 1863 carbines, making them a desirable and scarce Sharps variation. Iron blade front and Lawrence patent ladder rear sight with 900 yard center notch mounted on the blued barrel with three barrel bands. Casehardened barrel bands, receiver, hammer, trigger guard lever,
lower tang, patch box, and buttplate. The forearm flat ahead of the trigger guard is inspector marked “A.W.M.” The left side of the wrist is marked with two boxed script “JWR” cartouches. The top rear of the stock is inspector marked “M.N.M.” Two piece walnut stock with iron patch box. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a scarce Collins socket bayonet, leather sling (detached), and wood tampion. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% plus original bright blue finish on the barrel with some light wear from bayonet mounting. Retains 50% plus original case colors with the balance a smooth gray patina. Wood is excellent with attractive original raised grain and rich oil finish, some light handling marks and dents, light chips at the toe, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very fine with scattered light pitting. A superb example of a Civil War U.S. contract Sharps New Model 1863 Military rifle! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
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