I'm hoping a member with extensive knowledge of early sharps 1859 rifles and perhaps the appropriate books could assist me in identifying a rifle i have in my possession. What appears to be an arsenal refurbishment to myself, I'd like to decipher anomalies in regards to cartouches. Lack of a SN and the overall condition of the rifle.

My email is 11chassepot@gmail.com

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Stamp on the left side of the barrel doesn’t look like a military stamp. That area was usually reserved for Cavalry stamps. Example F10 Cav. Which is F company 10th Cav. 10th Cav. Were the Buffalo Soldiers. The left side of the frame was welded up for some reason. The barrel should have markings under the fore arm they match the serial number in the tang which usually start with a “c”. If it has a patch box it’s a ‘59 model. Top of the barrel should say “new model 59” on the top between the sight and the action.

Tom Klinger

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[quote author=497270567174737A786F1D0 link=1759588359/4#4 date=1759605608]Stamp on the left side of the barrel doesn’t look like a military stamp. That area was usually reserved for Cavalry stamps. Example F10 Cav. Which is F company 10th Cav. 10th Cav. Were the Buffalo Soldiers. The left side of the frame was welded up for some reason. The barrel should have markings under the fore arm they match the serial number in the tang which usually start with a “c”. If it has a patch box it’s a ‘59 model. Top of the barrel should say “new model 59” on the top between the sight and the action.

Tom Klinger

Welding? I'm a welder and can't say I can see evidence of welding even with grinding. What are you seeing?

I’m looking at the pinholes and metal discoloration between the lock screw in the frame and where the stock butts up to the action. It’s your last picture. Also,The barrel should measure 52cal


Tom Klinger

Agree with "welded" as the discoloration and voids plus the area around the screw and bevel at rear edge. It is hard to see but the stamp on the Bbl looks like it might be an over stamp of the "L" typically on the side of an 1871 built 1874 .50x2". A picture of the breach would help. Also if there is the "DFC" cartouche in the center of the left side of the butt. In the picture of the rear sight it is hard to tell but it looks like an early model that does not have the enlarged circle cut for clearance of the sight screw.
Charles