Sharps 1863 To 1874 Conversion
I've done a little research on this carbine and found the following:From U.S. MILITARY ARMS, Dates of Manufacture, From 1795, Collectors Edition, By George Madis: Sharps 1859-1865 MODEL: Over 100,000 guns of these models were purchased by the U.S. Between 1860 and 1865. Serial numbers from near 3000 to 100000. Thereafter the letter 'C' indicates 100000, for example, 'C 200' would be the serial number 100200.
Sharps 1874 Rifle
Description: 1863 sharps conversion, 3 groove barrel, 50-70 govt. Center fire, overall condition is 80%, serial # c669, military cartouche on stock, few nicks in stock, bore is very good, bright and shiny, mechanical falling block action is crisp and tight.
This carbine has a serial number in the 88,000 range.Since the carbine has been converted to 50/70 I researched further and found this information in Sharps Rifle, The Gun That Shaped American Destiny by Martin Rywell:1869 Cartridge Carbine. 50 reduced from 52 cal. Because the bbls. Were relined. Were bored out, a liner inserted, and then rifled. The lining job was done at Springfield Armory.
Bbl: 22' Overall: 39' Weight 9lbs. These were 31,098 Civil War guns altered between Feb. 1868 and Oct., 1869 by Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. For the government according to the contract Nov.
Sharps 1863 Carbine Conversion
Sharps 1874 Rifle Kit
A new breech block replaced the percussion type.In the case of my carbine, the alteration also included the replacement of the shoulder stock with one without a cutout for the patch-box (or coffee grinder) as evidenced by the use of the original steel butplate that does have a cutout.