New Model 1859, double set triggered Sharps rifle serial numbered 55159. Wood is light and shows moderate wear. Inspector’s cartouche is visible opposite the lock. Action is very good. All markings are present and readable. Barrel retains much of its original color. Receiver and hammer are a plumb brown as is the patch box.  Bore is dark but clean with a lot of rifling left. The is no pitting. All 3 barrel bands and both sling swivels are present. The barrel has been shortened by 1"; the original length was 30", and it now meas. 29" inches long. The scope has good optics. It is mounted to the rifle by the front and rear sites. There is a maker’s plate attached that reads “Wm. Malcolm, Syracuse, N.Y.” William Malcolm began making scopes in Utica, N.Y. and moved to Syracuse in 1859. He was well known as one of the best scope makers in the country.

With the rifle are the following books:

“Berdans United States Sharpshooters in the Army of the Potomac” 1984 reprint of the 1892 edition.

“Letters From Berdan’s Sharpshooters” by R. L. Murray

“Berdan’s 1^st United States Sharpshooters” by MTS Regiment Reports

“Sharpshooter :Hiram Berdan, his Famous Sharpshooters and their Sharps Rifles.” By Wiley Sword

A page from Harper’s Weekly from September 21, 1861 showing the manufacture of muskets

Notebook with photos of the gun from different angles.

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