Need appraiser

[mikiec]

In the Phoenix area that can appraise a Civil War Sharps Carbine.

I thought it was a 1863 but now after more looking it appears to be an 1859 based on the serial number.

Mike

[DWRAT]

Maybe Chumlie from Pawn Stars can help you.
Otherwise, I think Don Morse may have been around back then.

[dave from mesa]

Originally Posted by dwrat

otherwise, i think don morse may have been around back then.

[mikiec]

At least I didn't get a "what he said"

Don was around when match locks were invented.

Mike

[Cactus Bob]

Mike

What are the first 3 numbers of the serial number? I can look it up in my Sharps book when I get home to verify the year of production.

Bob

[mikiec]

Bob,

The serial number is 73269

Mike

[Fordzilla]

Mike, Is it in percussion configuration or 50-70 Gov't? How many grooves in the barrel? Cartouche in banner visible on the stock? Overall condition of metal & wood?

[Fordzilla]

Also, Is there a C prefix in the serial number? Buttstock still have the patchbox?
Can you post some pics?

[Cactus Bob]

Mike

The 1859 carbine serial number range is 30,000-80,000...most have patch boxes. Caliber .52, .54, .56

The 1863 carbine range would be 71,235-99,999 Caliber .52 A C prefix as asked about in that range would also be an 1863

Frank Seller's Book, Sharps Firearms is the most commonly used reference book. Its not perfect, but pretty close. Doesn't provide values, but lots of manufacturing details.

If you want to compare your gun to the book, I will be at Ben Avery this Saturday (pistol sil. range). Let me know, no problem to bring it along.

Bob

[DWRAT]

Mike,
That gun is worth about $1,000.00.
You want to sell it?

[mikiec]

There is no rust on this rifle. Well a small amount in the Barrel which is a smooth bore.
There is no cartouche on the stock.
There is no C prefix, There is no patchbox. I believe this is a percussion and not converted. But I'm not really sure how to tell.

The condition I would say is extremely good to excellent.

From the serial numbers there appears to be an overlap. Are there any definative differences between the 1859 and 1863?

Bob, I'll ask the owner if I can bring it by Avery.

Ratboy, You are about $9,000 short.

Mike

[Fordzilla]

Mike, The 1859, 1863 & 1865 New models are in actuality all one model. The differences being merely barrel markings, a cleanout screw in the breechblock & minor sight change. The serial numbers do overlap but generally Cactus Bob has it close enough. Your barrel should not be smoothbore unless it's a shotgun which then would not have a rear sight & would have a bead front sight. It may either be leaded up so bad you can't see the grooves or some one shot jacketed bullets down it taking out the grooves. The lack of patchbox leads me to believe it was arsenaly converted to 50-70 at which time they changed the stock. The majority of barrels were also lines at this time & that's why I asked about the number of grooves. Not all were done & original barrel grooves will bring a premium. Does the hammer fall on to a nipple? If yes it's percussion. If it falls onto a firing pin mechanism, it's been converted to cartridge (50-70). I've owned dozens of them & the world renowned authority (Frank Sellers) is a friend of mine. Frank has written the books on the subject. I also have written books on antique firearms. "Guns That Talk" was my last one done back in 2000. If your carbine is a 50-70 & the barrel is not ruined, & in the condition you say, I would estimate it would bring $2000- $2500. (pics would help)
If the barrel is ruined, then it would be worth less.
Regards,

[dave from mesa]

You are looking at a $10,000 gun and you can't tell if it's percussion or a cartridge gun?????
Did they make any percussion cartridge guns?
Did you look from the muzzle end to see down the barrel (muzzle loader) or break it open from the breach (cartridge)?
Any other dumb questions that I forgot?

You gonna bring it for the 4th?

[Fordzilla]

Dave, The Sharps loaded from the breach in both the percussion & cartridge version.
Mike is obviously not a gun person so would be hard for him to know what he's looking at. If he PMs me, I will call him & help him determine what he has & what it's worth.

[mikiec]

Dave,

I'de like to bring it on the 4th.. The gun does not belong to me, it belongs to the owner of the company. I've just taken on the challenge of finding out what I can about this gun.

I'll take more pice today and get them posted here.

The hammer does not fall on a nipple. I'll get pics of the sight, hammer, breech and barrel.

Mike

[Danr55]

Mike, Check the stock and try to get a photo of an cartouche's you find. Those changed significantly in the era around the civil war. You may be able to bracket the dates that way.

[Fordzilla]

Dan, The stock does not have a patchbox wihich means it was swapped out by the arsenal at time of conversion. (after the Civil War) The receiver was made in 1863. It was originally a percussion carbine. It is now a 50-70. Being a New model 1859 or New model 1863 is irrelevant.

Mike, Just PM me if you want info on the Carbine. Regards,

[mikiec]

OK,

Here are the pics

[Danr55]

If there are no US Ordnance cartouches on the stock, it is most probably an 1869 Sporting rifle. To my knowledge, all US arsenal rebuilds were appropriately marked on both the stock and the lockplate/side plate.

Is it marked Sharps

[mikiec]

Yes, it is marked Sharps.

Info on the side : R.S. Lawrence PAT. april 12, 1859
Sharps PAT. October 5, 1852.

The pics of the numbers did not come out very good.

A shot of the Saddle ring: