Historic Civil War Sharps and Hankins Model 1862 U.S. Navy .52 caliber carbine. Produced by the famed Sharps and Hankins Philadelphia factory only during the Civil War years of 1862-1865, this example is one of only 6,686 arms of this type produced and sold directly to the U.S. Navy during the War Between the States. It is noted in several sources that these arms saw extensive service aboard various vessels under crude conditions and often inclement weather which accounts for the poor condition of most surviving examples. In a very unusual move, the U.S. Government ordered these unique arms to have their 24” barrels covered in black leather that was sewn along the bottom. It was hoped that this would guard against rust during sea duty. Few examples extant today display any remnants of this leather. The Model 1862 Sharps and Hankins used an unusual, yet effective, sliding breech in which the trigger guard/lever was lowered which simultaneously slid the barrel forward for loading and unloading .52 Caliber? Rim Fire cartridges. Obviously a limited production and issued arm, the Model 1862 Navy Carbine is one of the more sought after and distinctive arms of the Civil War. The sewn leather barrel covering is correctly secured by two screws at the breech end and the barrel retains the original rear sight that is adjustable for elevation. The butt stock is in fine condition with very tight wood to metal fit and retains the original attractive brass butt plate. The action is tight and fully functioning on this example and the bore is surprisingly excellent with deep sharp rifling all the way through. The left side of the receiver is correctly marked in three lines “SHARPS PATENT 1859” with the right side marked “SHARPS & HANKINS PHILADA.” in faded lettering. Overall, this is a superb example with full lovely leather barrel covering and an attractive smooth, dark-aged patina receiver showing no signs of rust or pitting which is very unusual for an issued U.S. Navy arm of this tumultuous period. A worthy example for the finest Civil War or U.S. Navy arms collection. Serial Number: 1149. The firearm qualifies as an Antique rifle, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.