A Rare Sharp & Hankins Model 1862 Type 2 Navy Carbine. 38 ½” overall, 24” round .54 calibre rimfire barrel with 6 groove rifling, barrel fitted with full length leather sleeve, barrel sliding forwards on opening, blade fore sight, Sharps Patent 800 yard tangent rear sight, recessed breech, slab sided receiver marked 'SHARP'S PATENT 1859' on the left hand side & 'SHARPS & HANKINS PHILADA' on the right. Central hammer with floating firing pin, sliding safety alongside on the left, adjustable trigger, sling swivel on butt, under lever forming the trigger guard and walnut butt, stock with brass heel plate.
Circa 1863, serial no. 11795.
In good condition, metal parts with most original finish, stock with dents and bruising. Pig skin leather in very good condition for age. Very good rifling. A rifle with the reputation for accuracy.
6,686 Navy carbines were delivered between 1862-3, they are believed to have seen extensive service. This is the only known pattern of carbine fitted with a full-length barrel cover to protect it from the elements as encountered in sea service, most examples are missing the leather cover.
See Sharps Firearms by F. Sellers pages 169-174 and Civil War Carbines by P. Schiffers Chapter 8