[mikiec]

Here is what I have found out...

There are no records available for this Sharps. The gentileman that has all the surving sharps records, says this was, based on the S/N, converted from percussion to metal cartridge about 1869.
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I found the following write up on the net. This owner has a Sharps with a 88046 serial number.

From U.S. MILITARY ARMS, Dates of Manufacture, From 1795, Collectors Edition, By George Madis: Sharps 1859-1865 MODEL: Over 100,000 guns of these models were purchased by the U.S. between 1860 and 1865. Serial numbers from near 3000 to 100000. Thereafter the letter "C" indicates 100000, for example, "C 200" would be the serial number 100200.

Since the carbine has been converted to 50/70 I researched further and found this:

1869 Cartridge Carbine. Cal. 50 reduced from 52 cal. because the bbls. were relined. The bbls. were bored out, a liner inserted, and then rifled. The lining job was done at Springfield Armory. Bbl: 22" Overall: 39" Weight 9lbs. 9 oz. These were 31,098 Civil War guns altered between Feb. 1868 and Oct., 1869 by Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. for the government according to the contract Nov. 2, 1867. A new breech block replaced the percussion type.

the alteration also included the replacement of the shoulder stock with one without a cutout for the patch-box (or coffee grinder) as evidenced by the use of the original steel butplate that does have a cutout.

I was checking the info available in the archives and collection at Springfield Armory and found a notation regarding a converted New Model 1863 in their collection to the effect that some of these Sharps Carbines may have been used by New Mexico Territory Volunteers in the Spanish American War. Makes one wonder??
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The search is officially over.
The gun is in the process of being gingerly cleaned. I'll post additional pics when done.