Sharps New Model 1859 Civil War Carbine, serial number C25823, converted by the Sharps Company in 1867 from percussion ignition to take the more modern center fire .50-70 Government cartridge. This was all on contract for the U.S. Government for reissue to western cavalry units for the Indian Wars. These desirable carbines have double history in them- first as primary Union cavalry weapons in the Civil War and then a few years later sent west to fight in the Indian Wars. Many of these were later sold off as surplus in the 1870s and saw use on the frontier as buffalo guns. The Texas Rangers were known to favor this model Sharps Carbine. This particular example has the desirable inspector cartouches in the left side of the butt stock- one under the sling ring bar and one in the center of the stock. This is an obvious indication that the stock has never been sanded or refinished. Further, it is especially interesting and historical as it shows evidence of sling carry wear on the left side of the stock (the light vertical rub mark) and the ring wear spot just above the ring bar which only issued and used carbines exhibit. The stock and forend show wonderful frontier use and wear, but no abuse. All wood is solid and the metal shows no evidence of abuse while retaining an attractive aged patina. There are good Sharps markings on various parts of the receiver with excellent mechanics. This fine carbine displays a bright bore with fine rifling throughout. This is a particularly desirable Sharps combining Civil War history with later Indian Wars usage and no doubt considerable civilian use on the frontier. Few cartridge conversion Sharps carbines display this kind of honest aged appearance plus retain their important original stock cartouches. You can’t find a gun with more history or appeal than this one! This firearm qualifies as an antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.*