3097 FINE CIVIL WAR SHARPS NEW MODEL 1859 MILITARY

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 3,000.00 USD
Estimated at 6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
RIFLE IN BERDAN SERIAL RANGE. Cal. 52, S# 54849. 2000 Rifles were originally ordered by Hiram Berdan for his 1st & 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters, the known serial range for these rifles is 54374-57574 (known highest & lowest serial numbers as noted by authority Wiley Sword). This gun conforms to standard configuration ordered by Berdan with 30" six land & groove rifled barrel, no bayonet lug, made to fit angular bayonet. This fine survivor does not have double set triggers and was not inspected by John Taylor (JT) but has final inspection cartouche TWR (Thomas W Russel). The barrel is inspected by Charles Hartwell (CWH) who is known inspector on at least three John Taylor final inspected Berdan Sharps. According to Sharps authority Frank Sellers probably no more than 500 rifles were delivered inspected by Taylor with double set triggers, the other 1500 were single triggers and some identified to other units such as 42nd PA, "Bucktail" Regiment. S#s 54847 & 54856 are listed by Springfield Research as issued to the 190th PA in January 1862 (The 190th was PA reserve unit not activated till 1864, and issue date in 1862 must have been to other PA unit). This is a superior all original survivor with fine aesthetic. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: reprint copy of the 600 page 1892 "Berdan's United States Sharp Shooters in the Army of the Potomac 1861-1865", June 1996 Monty Whitley catalog where this rifle is featured, along with bill of sale June 1996. There is also a data sheet on about 25 Berdan Sharps showing several with same barrel inspector in same serial range. CONDITION: very good overall, complete, matching, and all original. Metal is overall smooth gray/bright patina, 3 line barrel address & "NEW MODEL 1859" markings are crisp, patent markings on frame & lock are also very good and all discernible. Stocks are sound and solid and well fit. "M" sub inspector found on fore stock and "TWR" cartouche opposite lock is discernible when looked at from angle. Mechanically fine, crisp bright rifled bore. (01-25208/JS). ANTIQUE. $6,000-8,000.