+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: 1863 (1869 Conversion) Sharps Carbine

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    c&rfan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Last On
    04-06-2022 @ 01:09 PM
    Location
    Near San Antonio, Texas
    Posts
    59
    Local Date
    10-03-2024
    Local Time
    06:44 AM

    1863 (1869 Conversion) Sharps Carbine

    A relative who lived in New Mexico gave this carbine to my father back in the late 1930s.






    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.






    (The bright blue screw in the above photo is a replacement for one that was missing when my Dad received the carbine.)

    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. Cal. 50 reduced from 52 cal. because the bbls. were relined. The bbls. were bored out, a liner inserted, and then rifled. The lining job was done at Springfield Armory. Bbl: 22" Overall: 39" Weight 9lbs. 9 oz. 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. 2, 1867. 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.






    I was checking the info available in the archives and collection at Springfield Armory and found a notation regarding a converted New Model 1863 in their collection to the effect that some of these Sharps Carbines may have been used by New Mexico Territory Volunteers in the Spanish American War. Makes one wonder about the history of this one??

    I bought some 50/70 cases from Dixie Gun Works and loaded them up with some light black powder loads and 50 cal bullets that I have for my 50 TC Hawken. The carbine shoots o.k. but I'm not into handloading 50 cal black powder loads.

    The bore has sharp rifling although dark and rough in places. Any suggestions regarding the value of this old timer would be appreciated.
    Information
    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    Alkali's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    09-19-2015 @ 01:20 AM
    Location
    Roswell, NM
    Posts
    56
    Local Date
    10-03-2024
    Local Time
    05:44 AM

    Sharps carbine

    c&rfan - Very nice photos. Glad to see that nobody took it upon themselves to "improve" it over the years by sanding, refinishing, or overcleaning.

    I also have one of these .50-70 carbines. Mine was just recently found in the attic space of a derelict building being torn down near Roswell. Condition wise yours is far superior to mine, but it will be treasured nontheless.

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    c&rfan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Last On
    04-06-2022 @ 01:09 PM
    Location
    Near San Antonio, Texas
    Posts
    59
    Local Date
    10-03-2024
    Local Time
    06:44 AM
    Thread Starter
    Quote Originally Posted by Alkali View Post
    Mine was just recently found in the attic space of a derelict building being torn down near Roswell.
    The relative that gave this carbine to my Dad was living between Las Cruces and Old Mesilla at the time.

+ Reply to Thread

Similar Threads

  1. Help with a 1859 Sharps & Hankins Navy Carbine
    By clarkmilitaria in forum Black Powder
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 06-06-2013, 09:34 AM
  2. 1869/71 ostschweiz questions
    By RCEMERalf in forum Swiss Rifles
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 04-09-2013, 07:00 AM
  3. Jungle Carbine Conversion
    By Raybun in forum The Lee Enfield Knowledge Library Collectors Forum
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 01-05-2013, 10:15 PM
  4. A John Brown Sharps Carbine (NRA Video)
    By Badger in forum Black Powder
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-31-2011, 03:38 PM
  5. 22 Cal Carbine Conversion
    By EriCal in forum M1/M2 Carbine
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 09-07-2009, 09:41 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts