A Rare Sharp & Hankins Model 1862 Type 2 Cavalry Carbine. 34” overall, 19” round .54 calibre rimfire barrel with 6 groove rifling, 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, with sliding safety alongside, adjustable trigger, saddle ring, under lever forming the trigger guard, walnut butt, stock with brass heel plate.
Circa 1862, serial no. 3458.
In good condition, metal parts with most original finish, Stock with dents and bruising. Very good rifling.
Rare gun with a reputation for accuracy, only about 500 made.
See Sharps Firearms by F. Sellers pages 169-174 and Civil War Carbines by P. Schiffers Chapter8