Hello Randy1944,
The Sharps Factory Records do survive they belong to :-Dr. Richard Labowski
4613 Osage Ave.
Philadelphia Pa. 19143
Phone No 215-748-1376.
The factory didn't record the built date only the date it was dispatched. You can have it "lettered" by Dr Labowski but that is I understand in the region of US$ 200 possibly more. If you ring him he may tell you the details over the phone, so have a pen and paper to hand before you ring him.
The most likely recipient would be the US Army. If so, there should be inspectors stamps in the carbine and possibly other military markings. Sharps was the second largest supplier or rifles and carbines to the US Military during the War of Northern Aggression, only the Spencer repeating rifles were made in larger numbers.
Good luck with your request.
and welcome to the Forum.
Harry
Edit. Some 60,000 of the 1863 Carbines were made and numbered 71,235 to 99,999 and c1 to c 49,528.
Production ran from 1863-1865. A few were made with a coffee mill built into the butt of the carbine. Stock was Walnut and the action, block and other parts were Colour Case Hardened only the barrel and sights were blued.
The Rifle version serials ran from c 30,000 to c 40,000. Only made during 1865, total production was 7,000. Another rifle version (New model 1863 sporting rifle) was made during 1865 for commercial sale but was also taken by the Government for war use. These are the rarest of the Sharps 1863 models.
Harry