Civil War Sharps Model 1863 - With Provenance

Description

10/7/24 - This is an original Civil War Sharps Model 1863 Rifle. In the book, "Civil War Sharps Carbines & Rifles" by Earl Coates & John McAulay, this particular gun is listed by serial number as having been issued to Joseph H. Ball. Joseph enlisted into military service in 1861 and served in Company D of the 13th Kentucky Infantry. Included with this rifle is a complete dossier containing information about Joseph's life and service, photocopies of his original enlistment paperwork, and loads of information on the history of the 13th Kentucky Infantry. According to the write-up on Joseph, he was a gunsmith and was likely responsible for converting his rifle into a modified Buffalo-style rifle after the war was over. Overall, the gun is in very nice condition. However, there is heavy brown patina and spotty oxidation throughout. Fully functional. The left side of the stock has the proper military inspection stamp. The bore actually has good rifling, but there is minor pitting throughout. The action is smooth.