Indian Used Sharps Model 1863 Saddle Ring Carbine. Serial no. 58054, .54 caliber, 22-inch barrel with fixed front side and folding rear ladder sight. Blued and case-hardened finish. Falling block. Smooth walnut straight stock and fore-end. Leather wrap near the end of fore-end. Decorative brass tacks to each side of stock [four to the left side near buttplate] and [five to the right side near buttplate] with additional two short intersecting lines]. Rattler attached to saddle ring bar by a leather string. Metal carbine buttplate. According to consignor notes, the gun was found and bought near Rapid City, South Dakota [Pine Ridge Lakota Reservation]. Interesting to note; Rattlesnakes tend to be viewed negatively in Native American cultures, frequently associated with violence and revenge. In some tribes, rattlesnakes were considered both powerful and dangerous and were associated with witchcraft. One wonders if this rattler was used similarly. Condition: Good. Finish primarily a dark grey patina with scattered signs of handling wear and patches of pitting. Saddle ring absent. Noticeable scuffs, dings, and bruising present to wood. Large crack to the base of fore-end. Action good. Lightly pitted bore. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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