Caliber 52 rim fire. Serial number 589. This is among the scarcest & rarely seen Civil War Martial arms. 500 Of these arms were ordered by the Navy July 29,1861. Blue & case color finish, 33" round. barrel retained by 3 barrel. bands with saber bayonet lug, adjustable rear sight. Steel mountings, brass buttplate. Right side of frame is marked "SHARPS & HANKINS PHILADA". Left side of frame is marked "SHARPS PATENT 1859" in 3 lines. 2 piece walnut stocks w/ sling swivel. Serial number is marked on upper tang & bottom of barrel at the breech.
This particular gun is listed by serial number in John McAuley’s "Civil War Small Arms Of the US Navy and Marine Corps" on page 92 as being delivered to the Washington Navy Yard July 3, 1862 & be inspected by Samuel Miller, a civilian inspector at the yard.
Very good overall condition. Original and complete, traces of thin finish, overall dark undisturbed patina. Brass buttplate as a smooth mottled medium mustard color. Stocks are sound, solid & well fit with typical small cosmetic dings & dents unaffecting aesthetics. Mechanically fine with crisp bright bore.
PROVENANCE: Collection of Lewis Leigh Jr.