^Lot 42 Civil War Sharps NM 1859 Perc. Cavalry Carbine

Civil War Sharps New Model 1859 Percussion Cavalry Carbine, #58983, .52 cal., 22'' barrel is marked ''New Model 1859'' behind rear sight and with Sharps name and address ahead, has integral block-blade front and Lawrence patent sliding-leaf rear sights; ''Straight Breech'' receiver with integral Sharps pellet-priming system is fitted with a sling bar and ring and marked ''C. Sharps' Pat./Sept. 12th, 1848'' on the left side and ''C. Sharps' Pat./Oct. 16th, 1852'' behind ''R.S. Lawrence Pat./April 12th, 1859'' on right; operating lever opens the dropping-block action for loading paper cartridges and cleaning; single spring-retained steel barrel band, trigger, and carbine-style buttplate; oil-finished walnut forend and buttstock. Mfg'd 1859-66. Condition is very good, the barrel retaining 20% blue blending into brown, the other steel parts a gunmetal gray showing traces of case hardening colors. Stocks are smooth and sound showing only minor marks from use and age and perhaps a later coat of light varnish. Action functions smoothly; bore is bright with sharp rifling. Est.: $1,800-$2,400. (Antique)