This handsome longarm is one of the Civil War Model 1859 military rifles made by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, circa 1859 to 1862. U.S. government contract quantities for the NM1859 Sharps Rifle was for a total of some 6,989 units: 2,780 rifles to the U.S. Navy and 4,189 rifles to the U.S. Army. These single trigger, NM1859 military rifles were either a .52 caliber or .56 caliber percussion breechloader.

This straight breech, .56 caliber model was part of the Navy contract and is equipped with the bayonet lug under the muzzle. The rifle’s serial # 33727 is located to the rear of the top tang on the action assembly, and is quite thin. Rifle measures 47” long overall and features a 30” long round barrel mated to a black walnut stock. Barrel stampings are thin, almost gone. Lock stampings are also thin, but visible. The folding rear sight has the ‘R. S. Lawrence’ stamping very clear. Maker and patent stampings on the receiver tang are weak.

Barrel bore is very good with strong six-groove rifling. Will clean to bright. The barrel is fitted with the bayonet lug under the barrel. Stock features an iron patchbox and a full forend stock that is secured to the barrel with three-barrel bands. Patchbox door has the small ‘dot’ or stamp ¾” down from the lip edge. Walnut stock appears to have been lightly cleaned at ne time. No government cartouches visible. Wood surface is excellent and displays normal dings / dents. All gunmetal wears a pleasing mix of patina and mottled gray.

This seldom seen longarm used by the Federal Navy during the Civil War is a very fine condition Sharps NM1859 rifle.

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