Re: Cap & Ball, Sharps Question
Frank Sellers was a acknowledged expert, on Sharps firearms. He wrote at least one, well regarded reference book on them. Unfortunately he passed away, a number of years ago.
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There are several obvious differences. A double set trigger, stock cheek piece and hex/octagonal barrel.
It's not clear if you have the "Sharps Prime" magazine in the sidelock or if there's a nipple or firing pin.
Freund was an important frontier gunsmith who did extensive modifications to the Sharps.
I'd be looking for his name, initials or other signs of his work.
What caliber is it?
Percussion should be .53 cal.
What are the barrel markings?0 -
Looks like an 1853 Slant Breech Sporting Rifle of which Flayderman says there were over 30 different types.
Eagle/flag and star inlays were fairly common on nice muzzleloaders and this is a very early breechloader. You need a letter.
Well, darn, missed the sling ring.
That makes it a sporterized 1852 carbine, nicely done. There were other shops than Freund, markings will be interesting.
Is it still percussion or has it been converted to cartridge?0 -
This was originally a carbine, given the ring and slide for the Cavalry shoulder slide and snap catch.
The original 54 cal barrel hadn't wall thickness enough to go cutting octagonal flats.
That's why I'd like to know barrel markings.
I strongly suspect it was a Freund modified gun rebarreled to a smaller long range caliber like one of the .44 Sharps long cartridges that decimated buffalo heards.0 -
I will have to get barrel markings from dad. I do not have the gun with me. may take a few days 0 -
I contacted Mr. Labowskie he said based on the serial number it is a model 1853 octagon rifle (later called sporting rife) in 60 bore (about 44 cal.) left the factory June 8th, 1855. but he said the older records don't show who it was shipped to. I still have to call dad to see about markings I wanted to talk to Mr. Labowskie first so I would have at least some info when I call. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by epaker
I contacted Mr. Labowskie he said based on the serial number it is a model 1853 octagon rifle (later called sporting rife) in 60 bore (about 44 cal.) left the factory June 8th, 1855. but he said the older records don't show who it was shipped to. I still have to call dad to see about markings I wanted to talk to Mr. Labowskie first so I would have at least some info when I call.
I don't know anything about, the early Sharps commercial rifles? I wonder if they were sold with the bar installed. That the cavalry sling ring was normally mounted on. You might question Mr. Labowskie, regarding this.
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While 28" was a standard length for rifles, longer barrels could be had from the factory at $1.00 per inch. Sharps catalogs don't talk about carbines or carbine length barrels.
If It's carbine length I'd suspect it was shortened at some point.
While I believe one could get whatever one wanted, dst went with some rifles and the record calls for a rifle, not a carbine.
Either way, it's a beautiful piece.0
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