Description

Offered for Sale is a relatively rare example of the now famous and sort after Sharps Carbine, but especially made for the British Government. The total made were 6796, between May 1856 to July 1857. The early ones had a barrel length of 21 inches, but the last 3000, as is this one, had a length of 18 inches. The o/a length is 35-3/8 inches.
Initially made in .54 Calibre, but these later ones were to .551 in Calibre. This one has a round barrel exterior now to a pleasing dark grey metal patina, with areas of darker speckling, but no pitting. There are the standard leaf style rear sights, and an adjustable foresight.
The 3 groove bore is well rifled, with very small areas of stain, and no pitting The receiver is now to a dark patina, and the Maynard Primer-Tape cover is clearly stamped “Edward Maynard/Pattentee/1845″, and to the top Receiver Tang, again clearly stamped..”Sharps/Patent/1848”,
and the Serial number # 21962. There is an under lever, to allow the loading of a single round, ignited by the Percussion capping breech mechanism. There is brass furniture, consisting of a Brass Patch box to the RHS rear of the shoulder stock, and a single brass barrel band to the forestock. The 2 piece walnut stock is in general o/a vg condition, with no obvious splits, and is now to a dark patina of age, with minor dings of age and use.
To the LHS of the receiver, and wrist of the shoulder stock, is a metal saddle slide/ring
These carbines were still in use by the British Cavalry, until the mid 1860s.