Historic Berdan's Sharpshooters Sharps New Model 1859 Rifle with Socket Bayonet Sharps New Model 1859 rifle and bayonet manufactured c. 1862. This is one of 2,000 Sharps Model 1859 rifles purchased by the Ordnance Department for issue to the 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooter Regiments organized and recruited by Col. Hiram Berdan in 1861-2. Berdan was a prominent New York businessman and target shooter who recruited two regiments of sharpshooters. The two U.S. Sharpshooter regiments (U.S.S.) were composed of experienced marksman from Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin. The regiments were intended to serve as skirmishers and light infantry modeled on the famous British Rifle Brigade. Like their British counterparts the U.S.S. were issued dark green uniforms with non-reflective black buttons. Berdan selected the New Model 1859 Sharps rifle to arm the Sharpshooters. After considerable lobbying by Berdan, the Ordnance Department agreed to supply the Sharpshooters with 2,000 Sharps rifles. The genuine examples of the Model 1859 rifles manufactured for the U.S.S. fall within serial numbers 54374-57567. Only 500 of the Berdan contract rifles have factory double set triggers, and all had a block front sight that serves as a socket bayonet lug, rear sight with 900 yard center notch and a casehardened iron patch box. The U.S.S. contract rifles were primarily sub-inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth and Ordnance final inspector John Taylor and are stamped the block initials "O.W.A." on the left barrel flat and the script initials "JT" in and oval on the left stock wrist The U.S.S. regiments were assigned to the Army of the Potomac and saw extensive action at the battles of Yorktown, Gaines Mill, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Grovetown and Antietam in 1862. In 1863 the regiments were heavily engaged at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Mine Run. By autumn of 1863 most of the surviving members of the 1st U.S.S. completed their three-year enlistment and were mustered out of service. The survivors of the 2nd U.S.S. continued to serve until February 1865 when the regiment was disbanded. The Berdan's Sharpshooters served with distinction in some of the most important battles of the Civil War and claimed to have inflicted more casualties on the Confederate Army than any other Federal regiments. This rifle has a 30-inch barrel secured by three bands. The barrel has a block bayonet lug/front sight and 900 yard fold leaf rear sight with "R.S. Lawrence" patent markings on the base. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CT." in three lines ahead of the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1859" behind it. The Ordnance Sub-inspector initials "O.W.A." are stamped on the left barrel flat. The serial number "55881" is stamped on the underside of the barrel. The receiver is fitted with factory double-set triggers and the standard Lawrence pellet primer. The right side plate is roll-stamped with the standard Sharps 1852 patent markings and the R.S. Lawrence 1859 patent markings. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the Sharps two-line patent markings. The serial number "55881" is stamped on the upper receiver tang. The middle barrel band and stock are fitted with factory sling swivels, and the right side of the stock has an iron patch box. The barrel and breechblock were originally blued, and the barrel bands, receiver, hammer, lever, patch box and buttplate were color casehardened. Traces of the original fire-blue finish are visible on the pellet primer and lever pin. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut. Very faint traces of the "JT" Ordnance final inspection mark are visible on the left stock wrist. This rifle is complete with a bright finished socket bayonet with 18-inch fluted blade. The only marking on the bayonet is a block "L" on the right side of the socket. The bayonet fits the rifle perfectly. Although bayonets were issued with all of the Berdans Sharps rifles they were un-popular and frequently disregarded; surviving examples are rare. Manufacturer: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company Model: New Model 1859 BBL: 30 Inch Stock: walnut Gauge: 52 Sharps Finish: blue/case-hardened Grips: Serial Number: 55881 Class: Antique Condition: Good. This rifle shows the wear typical of Civil War weapons that saw combat use. The barrel, barrel bands, receiver, breechblock hammer, lever, patch box and buttplate have a smooth, deep brown patina. There is light flash pitting on the top of the breech and breechblock. The barrel and receiver markings are clear and fully legible. The Sharps double-set triggers remain functional. The Lawrence pellet primer is complete. The revarnished stock and forearm show moderate handling wear and have a dark patina. The socket bayonet is in good condition with a silver-gray patina, scattered light handling marks and age discoloration but no pitting. This is a good, original example of a rare and historic Berdan's Sharpshooters Sharps Model 1859 rifle with original bayonet. This rifle almost certainly was carried in action in some of the most significant Civil War battles. Experts have identified fewer than 50 Sharps New Model 1859 rifles in the 54374-57565 serial number range with all the Berdan contact features; these rifles are some of the most important Civil War firearms. This rifle would be a significant addition to any advanced collection of Civil War firearms.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
May 5, 2017 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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