US Sharps New Model 1863 Cartridge Conversion Carbine (So-Called Model 1868)

Serial #C12222, .50-70, 22" barrel with a fine, bright bore that has a small amount of freckling within the grooves. This was an original Civil War carbine, converted to metallic cartridge by the US government after the war had ended. The carbine has matching numbers on the receiver and barrel, with the barrel retaining 70-75% of the conversion blue, and a commensurate amount of color case-hardening on the frame, breech-block, hammer, and lockplate. The breech-block is fitted with the late, inertia firing pin, and the original bore was left intact, unlike later conversions that had three-groove liners installed. The walnut forend and buttstock have several small handling marks and minor blemishes scattered about the reapplied military oil finish. The buttstock itself was replaced during the conversion, does not have the original patchbox, and has the "DFC" rework cartouche in the center of the stock on the left side. Additionally, an extremely well-done repair was performed at the toe to replace a large chip. The sling ring is no longer present, but the action locks up tightly, and is fully functional. This is a very good-near fine example of a desirable post-Civil War Sharps conversion. Antique