Featured in this lot is a Civil War Sharps New Model 1859 .52 Caliber Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine. The Sharps breech loader was one of the most popular and successful of the cavalry carbines. Capable of firing a grooved bullet in a combustible black powder loaded paper cartridge or single loaded with lead slug with loose powder behind and a percussion cap, the Sharps gained a rapid reputation as a reliable, accurate, powerful, and fast firing weapon. Troops armed with single shot muzzle loading muskets were no match for the new breech loaders designed by Christian Sharps. After the Civil War, many of these battle-proven weapons went to the western frontier. Most of the New Model Sharps rifles and carbines were later converted to fire the standard .50-70 metallic cartridge and reissued for Indian War use. Hence, those in original and unaltered percussion ignition from the Civil War are very scarce and desirable arms on the antique collector market today. This piece is marked across the side "R.S. Lawrence PAT APRIL 12th 1859" and "C. Sharps PAT OCT 5th 1852"; it is also marked on the other side in faded letters reading "C Sharps SEP 15th 1848". The metal has been cleaned, but still shows its original pitting and wear. This rifle was found burned under debris at Indian massacre of Cavalry patrol near Bryce Canyon, Utah in the 1950's. The hammer shows a working action, good trigger, and tight mechanics. The piece shows good condition overall, with wear due to age; the wood has been replaced. This is an antique firearm. NO FFL transfer or NICS background check required.