AR791 - .50-70 Springfield (US Federal Govt) Sharps Model 1863 (M1868) conversion carbine, serial no. 75089
This centre-fire carbine was originally an 1863 percussion carbine of the US Civil War, but converted as part of the US Federal Government programme post 1867. Conversions were of four patterns: in calibre 52-70 with and without an altered firing pin; and with a cam type firing pin with the original 6-groove rifling. Finally this model, the 50-70 C/F version with the 3-groove lined barrel. Only approximately 32k conversions of all type (including rifles) were undertaken. All were carried out by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co.. The conversion to 50-70 (the new Government cartridge also for the early Allen Trapdoor conversions) was carried-out by the factory in 1868 to new central fire cartridge by re-lining the barrel if it gauged over .5225”, with any gauging under this to be left unlined, The 3-groove barrel was fitted and a changed breech-block for the cam type firing pin. In the order of 27k were converted. This model has the round tapering 22in. barrel, block and blade fore-sight, small elevating ladder rear-sight. Thee top of barrel is marked (faintly) at the breech 'NEW MODEL 1863'. The colour hardened receiver has the vertical sliding breech-block operated via an under-lever forming the trigger guard; it retains traces of the '1848' patent details to left side of receiver, the colour hardened lockplate with 'C. SHARPS PAT. OCT. 5TH. 1852'; this is all consistent with a factory refurbishment and upgrading.
The walnut butt-stock is correct with no patchbox (correct for the conversion) with iron butt-plate. The left hand side of the butt is stamped with original US Government inspector’s cartouche: EF (Edward Flather, Armoury Sub inspector 1862-1863 most likely since E Farrar has been seen on Starr revolvers only) and has a very crisp rework & conversion inspector's mark 'DFC' (David F Clark Amroury Sub inspector 1861-1886) in a rectangle.
As with all these carbines, it has the iron saddle-bar with loose ring and walnut splinter fore-end with single barrel-band. In the correct serial number range for a new Model 1863. Excellent bore – a shootable Civil War carbine.