1859 Sharps military rifle with 30-inch barrel in .52 caliber. Sharp numbers and lettering, good wood to metal fit. Front and rear sights are in place and complete, as is the bayonet lug on the underside of the muzzle for a saber bayonet. The barrel markings are crisp and correct: SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO / HARTFORD, CONN. forward of the rear sight; Lawrence markings on the sight base; and “New Model 1859” on barrel near the breech.Overall VG condition. 100% original, 100% complete, and mechanically perfect. Metal patina is a mix of muted plum and gray. The lock plate is clearly marked SHARPS PAT. / OCT 5th 1852 and the right side of the receiver S. LAWRENCE PAT. / APRIL 12th 1859 behind the hammer, and SHARPS PAT. / SEPT 12 1848 on the left.The wood has very nice color with scattered handling dings. The serial number 41,266 dates it just after the long barrel Egyptian contract rifles were diverted for Civil War issuance , which ran up to serial 40,000 and had been inspected by February 1861. (See Lot 31 in this auction for an example of the rare 36 inch barrel Sharps.) In broader terms this serial falls well within the 40000 to 45000 serial number range for rifles purchased on the open market by the U.S. government starting in June 1861. Action works well, bore is clean with good rifling.This is a very nice original and complete example of a well-known and scarce Civil War breechloading rifle.

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VG