Sharps Model 1863 Conversion .50-90 Sharps 32 Inch Octagonal Single Shot Rifle Antique
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $3,775.00
This Sharps Model 1863 began life as a Civil War era percussion breechloader before being converted to fire metallic cartridges. Now chambered in .50-90 Sharps with a 32 inch octagonal barrel, it represents the transitional period when American firearms moved from percussion systems into the cartridge era. With a strong bore, historic Sharps markings, and honest antique wear, this rifle is a compelling piece for collectors of early American single shots.
Identification
MMA#: 260303HC003
Make: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model: 1863 Conversion
Serial Number: 63827
Year of Manufacture: 1863 to 1865
Caliber: .50-90 Sharps, 50 2 1/2
Action Type: Lever operated falling block single shot rifle
Barrel Length: 32 inches, octagonal
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a large blade set in a dovetailed base on the barrel. The rear sight is a barrel mounted U notch semi buckhorn blade when folded down. When raised, it becomes a ladder sight with a sliding U notch blade and an additional U notch at the bottom of the ladder.
Stock / Grip Configuration & Condition
The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, schnabel tip forend, sling bar, straight comb, and curved metal buttplate. The sling bar and mounting plate show wear. The wood shows scattered scrapes and compression marks, most of which are small or light. Length of pull measures 13 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows oxidation, surface erosion, and wear. Overall stock condition: Very Good Plus.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blue with case hardened receiver
Finish Originality: Original to parts
This rifle retains approximately 65 percent of its metal finish. The barrel has taken on a plum hue and shows small scrapes, thinning, small dings on leading edges, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The remaining metal shows scratches, tool marks, small dents, oxidation discoloration, and surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. Screw heads show use, with some showing heavy use. Receiver markings are well defined on the right side, faded on the left side, and light on the tang. Overall condition: Good to Very Good as a refurbished antique.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: Bright lands with semi bright grooves and deep rifling. Fouling and scattered oxidation are present in the grooves. Rated 8 out of 10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This firearm has not been test fired. As with all antique firearms, careful cleaning and inspection are recommended prior to use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
None.
Our Assessment
The Sharps Model 1863 was one of the important breechloading rifle designs of the American Civil War, valued for accuracy, reliability, and faster loading compared with muzzleloaders. Originally designed for paper or linen cartridges and percussion ignition, many Sharps rifles continued to serve after the war, with some converted to metallic cartridge use as ammunition technology advanced.
This example has been converted from percussion to cartridge fire and now wears a 32 inch octagonal barrel chambered in .50-90 Sharps. It retains the classic lever operated falling block action and its original C. Sharps patent receiver marking. Though refurbished and showing honest antique wear, the rifle has a strong bore and clear historical character. It would make an interesting addition to a Sharps, Civil War, buffalo rifle, or early cartridge rifle collection.
The Mt. McCoy Auctions Difference
At Mt. McCoy Auctions, every firearm is carefully documented and professionally photographed to create a detailed archival record. Our descriptions are written to provide collectors and shooters with a clear understanding of condition, features, and historical context.
