Original U.S. Civil War Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Sliding Breech Naval Carbine with Leather Cover - Serial 10515

Original Item: Only One Available. Well this just takes the cake! We have had several examples of the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 carbine before, and all but one were totally devoid of the original leather cover. The one that did have some of it just had a few pieces. This example however still has at least 90% of the leather cover, and is definitely more of the cover than we have ever had before, and in better shape! It is mostly complete from breech to front sight, and the only major par missing is the "cup" that goes under the front of the lower receiver and lever.

Known as the Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 carbine, this weapon is a wartime .52 caliber rimfire breechloading firearm designed by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps. Presented is a nice original example of that engineering design called the “Navy” type carbine, which had its barrel covered in a black leather covering as rust protection against the sea elements. Along with some 6,700 other such Navy carbines produced by the Sharps and Hankins firm in Philadelphia, PA, this carbine was chambered for the No. 56 Sharps & Hankins metallic cartridge.

The naval short arm measures 40 5/8” long and weighs 8 pounds. By releasing the small finger release tab and operating the lever, the barrel slides forward to accommodate the copper rimfire cartridge. The 23 3/4” long barrel has no stock fore end. It is fitted to have a blade front sight and is fitted with a Civil War ‘tangent style’ rear sight graduated to 800 yards with a leaf that pivots at the front and raises forward in an arc. This is still present, though currently it is frozen due to rust and old grease.

The carbine has seen long service and much cleaning, and the exposed portions of the metalwork show evidence of past oxidation, now partly cleaned away, and there is a mottled patina on the lower receiver. This definitely looks to be a Naval carbine that was exposed to the ocean air over a long period, causing surface oxidation overall. This gives it a lovely aged look, showing it was "really there. The right side of the frame still has a clear maker address marking:-

SHARPS
&
HANKINS
PHILADA.

Left side frame shows the patent stamp, which is somewhat worn:-

SHARPS
PATENT
1859

All lock screws look to be original and in very good condition, with some showing some damage to the flathead channel. Serial 10515 is clear and stamped onto the upper plate tang, on the bottom of the barrel, on the underside of the receiver under the loading lever, and on the lever itself. The breech must be open to see most of the serial number markings. We do not see any evidence that any parts have been swapped out over the years, however the connecting arm between the lever and barrel looks to have broken in two at one point. It was then brazed back together, which can still be seen. We assume this was done during service.

Carbine has crisp mechanics, though it can be a bit stiff due to age. The sliding safety near the hammer is is still present and fully functional. The hammer functions correctly, hitting the firing pin on the back of the chamber without issue. The breech latch button is intact and fully functional as well. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands andgrooves, definitely a big contrast from the condition of the exterior. There is some wear and evidence of past fouling, now cleaned away, but it's definitely a great bore considering it was a black powder era gun that saw service at sea!

The black walnut stock is very good condition, with a lovely color and grain. It does show dents, dings, scratches, and other wear from service, and there looks to have been a dowel repair made through the wrist, which is covered with wood filler on both sides. The rear sling swivel is still present, moving easily, and the brass butt plate is in fine condition, all as shown in in the pictures.

This Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 rimfire carbine is a fine, original arm of the Civil War Federal Navy and would surely enhance any naval display or collection of arms. This is the best example of an original cover that we have ever seen, and are unlikely to find a better one anytime soon. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1863-64
Caliber: .52"
Cartridge Type: Rimfire
Barrel Length: 23 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 40 5/8 Inches
Action type: Lever action Sliding Breech
Feed System: Single Shot

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