Unaltered early Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 .52 Caliber Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine, serial number 95150. One of the most popular and successful of the cavalry carbines was the Sharps breech loader. 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 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, such as this example, are very scarce and desirable arms on the antique collector market today. This example shows normal Civil War usage, yet retains a light “NEW MODEL 1863” barrel stamp just ahead of the receiver as well as the Sharps Rifle Co., Hartford, Connecticut barrel address on the top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight- this marking is often worn away. It also retains a good “ T W R” inspector stamp on the rear sling ring bar, plus two sharp inspector stamps or “cartouches” in the wrist of the stock under the ring bar . This Sharps also has a good and clear “C. SHARPS PATENT” over “SEPT. 12TH 1848” on the left side of the receiver plus the correct lock plate stamping “R. S. LAWRENCE PAT.” over “APRIL 12TH 1859” and “C. SHARPS PAT.” over “OCT. 5TH 1852.” Mostly gray/brown patina metal with correct Lawrence marked ladder rear sight with slide intact (often missing), correct front sight, original walnut forend and butt stock that shows an uncleaned darkened area of wear on the bottom of the forend. There is also some honest and desirable sling ring wear above the ring bar which attests the actual Civil War cavalry usage of this fine carbine! The lever locking latch along with sling ring and bar are intact, tight action and fine rifled bore. One of the most historically significant of the great Civil War carbines. This is a fine unaltered percussion example and considerably more scarce than those carbines that were converted to cartridge after the Civil War. Serial Number: 95150. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.