Presented here is a Richmond-made, straight-breech Confederate Sharps carbine. Of the approximately 5,000 firearms called “Richmond Carbines” made for the Confederate government between 1862 and 1864, 1,900 were produced at the S.C. Robinson Arms Manufactory.  On March 1, 1863, the Confederate government purchased Robinson’s facility which became known as the Confederate Carbine Factory and began its own production run estimated at 3,000.

This carbine is one of the latter, a .52 caliber percussion arm with a 21” long round, rifled barrel. Features a simple open v-notch rear sight and a tapered blade sight.  Faintly stamped on top surface near breech is “RICHMOND VA”. Bore has some surface rust but is clear with strong rifling. Barrel held in place by single brass barrel band. Carbine has a two-piece walnut stock. Both portions of the stock are in nice condition with very few nicks or dings. The forestock has previously mentioned brass barrel band which is held in place by a band spring on the bottom. A 1” hairline crack runs out from receiver on bottom of forestock. Buttstock is capped with a brass buttplate and has a single sling swivel on the bottom; this swivel is original but considerably more rusty than all other gun metal parts. Lockplate is mostly plain, stamped only with a serial number, “2518”. Receiver is a typical Sharps-style with a trigger guard/lever activated, drop-down breech block. On this pattern, the lever pivots on a screw instead of a “key” as found on the actual Hartford models. Receiver tang is also stamped with matching serial number “2518”. Top surface of breech block shows some moderate dings. Sling bar with saddle ring on left side. Original nipple.

Two-piece stock is in overall very good condition. Two pieces of brass furniture have a pleasing bronze patina. Gun metal (except rear sling swivel) is all a similar blotchy dark gray color with areas of fine surface oxidation from handling. This is a very nice example of a Confederate-made weapon and presents collectors an opportunity to acquire a seldom seen Confederate artifact.   [jet]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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