3098 SHARPS NEW MODEL 1859 BERDAN SHARPSHOOTERS

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,500.00 USD
Estimated at 5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
STYLE RIFLE. Cal. 52. S# 57362. Colonel Hiram Berdan commanded the elite U.S. Sharp Shooters unit during the Civil War. 2000 Sharps rifles in the SN range 54,374 to 57,567 were furnished. The first type had double set triggers and bayonet lugs. This rifle fits the description of the second type without those features. Bbl. 30" without bayonet lug. Pinned blade front sight & Lawrence patent leaf rear sight. Left flat near breech is marked w/ inspector's initials "EPR" for ordnance sub-inspector Edwin P. Richardson. Percussion action w/ Lawrence primer feed and plain trigger. 3 band fastened forearm. Straight grip stock w/ iron buttplate, patchbox & sling swivel. Left ear of stock has 2 cartouches. Front cartouche is "AWM" for sub-inspector Allen W. Mather. Second cartouche is too light to be distinguishable. John Taylor's "JT" cartouche is not visible. Right side of butt has "R.S" markings that may refer to "Ripley's Sharpshooters". General James W. Ripley, Chief of Ordnance, at first issued the Sharpshooters Springfield muskets and Colt revolving rifles. After strong revolt he was forced to order Sharps rifles, considered the best at the time. CONDITI0N: bbl. retains 50% dull blue fading to brown. The action & fittings have faded to gray. Wood has added finish over wear, scratches dents and marks. The stock has a hairline crack extending from the left side of the top tang. The bore is generally bright retaining sound rifling. PROVENANCE: from The Collection of James B. Taylor. (01-23875/DS). ANTIQUE. $5,000-7,000.