New Model 1859 Sharps Rifle - Berdan Sharpshooter Range

Description

11/21/24 - This is a very nice example of a New Model 1859 Sharps Rifle from the Civil. This particular gun falls in the first accepted serial range for Berdan sharpshooter rifles. 54390-57574 is an estimated serial range for documented Berdan rifles. Both 1st and 2nd US Regiments are known to have carried rifles in the 54000, 55000, 56000, and 57000 range. Hiram Berdan was a successful engineer and inventor before the Civil War. With the commencement of the war, Berdan approached the War Department with the concept of recruiting a regiment of sharpshooters, men who were outstanding marksmen, who would be deployed as special purpose troops in the conflict. The result was Berdan was permitted to organize units of sharpshooters, which would consist of the most accomplished marksman from the Northern states. The gun comes with a more detailed write-up with more info on these Berdan guns. The gun is in very nice condition for its age. However, there is brown patina throughout, spotty oxidation (mostly on the front half of the barrel), and some pitting on and around the breech. There is no major damage to the wood, but there are obvious bruises and dings throughout. Two military cartouches on the left side. The bore has pretty good rifling, but there is minor pitting and surface oxidation throughout. Fully functional. No FFL required.