^Lot 17 Civil War Sharps New Model 1859 Cavalry Carbine

Civil War Sharps New Model 1859 Cavalry Carbine, Factory Altered to Metallic Cartridge, #59180, .50-70 CF cal., blued 22'' barrel has integral block-blade front and Lawrence patent sliding-leaf rear sights; case hardened ''Straight Breech'' receiver is fitted with a sling bar and ring and marked ''C. Sharps' Pat./Sept. 12th, 1848'' on left side, and ''C. Sharps' Pat./Oct. 16th, 1852'' behind ''R.S. Lawrence Pat./April 12th, 1859'' on right side; serpentine operating lever opens the dropping-block action for cartridge loading and cleaning; single spring-retained steel barrel band, trigger, and carbine-style buttplate; oil-finished walnut forend and buttstock. Mfg'd ca. 1859-66; converted in 1867 and after. Condition is very good to near fine, the barrel retaining 80% darkening military blue, the case hardened steel parts showing nicely mottled colors turned silver on sides of receiver. Stocks are sound showing the expected marks of military use and age, a nice ''DFC'' within a ribbon inspector's cartouche on left side of buttstock, and perhaps a later coat of light varnish. Action functions smoothly; sleeved three-groove bore is clean with defined rifling. Est.: $1,750-$2,750. (Antique)