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Item No.:	10734	Price :	$12,500.00
Item :	RARE SHARPS MODEL 1851 BOX LOCK CARBINE, .52 CALIBER

Description :

This is an original Sharps Model 1851 "Box Lock" Carbine made by Robbins & Lawrence of Windsor, Vermont. These were made for the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut between 1852 and 1855. A total of 1,857 were made. The Model 1851 has the distinction of being the first Sharps made as a military arm. The U.S. Army purchased 175 of these carbines in 1854 and 1855 with all of them going to the 1si and 2nd U.S. Dragoons in Texas. Another 60 went to the U.S. Navy in 1853 for the North Pacific Exploring Expedition. the remainder were sold as standard carbines to the civilian market. The Model 1851 is a breech loading, percussion arm with a 21-5/8" barrel. It uses the Maynard Tape Priming Device to advance a percussion cap each time the mechanism is cocked. This model is most easily identified by the hammer which is mounted on the inside of the lock. This carbine is in very good to fine condition. There appears to be a significant amount of the original browned finish remaining on the barrel. It is hard to determine what is brown finish and what is patina, but I would guess about 70% of the barrel's brown remains. The rear sight retains some fire blued finish. The cased color of the lock, frame, and lever has faded and developed a smooth dark brown patina. There is some steel gray patina on the lock plate and the left side of the frame. The brass mountings have a great dark yellow brass patina. The mechanics are excellent with both the lock and Maynard device working correctly. The bore is very good with strong rifling along the barrel's length. There is some fine pitting that has been polished. The stock is very good with a scattering of small dings and scratches from use. There is a chip at the toe of the stock. This is a rare Sharps carbine. Very few have survived in decent condition. Stock no. 32262

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