New Model 1859 rifles were manufactured from 1859 to 1862 with special order, double-set trigger examples most famously issued to the green clad 1st and 2nd Regiments of U.S. Sharpshooters with another large lot issued to the Bucktails. These martially marked specimens are known as “Berdan Sharpshooter Rifles.” Their serial numbers are documented as being in the 54,000-57,000 range, with other similarly configured guns in as low as the 36,000 range. This rifle is identified by serial number as issued to Company G of the 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry on the "Invoice of Guns" found attached to the "Regimental Descriptive Book of the 190th Pennsylvania" (copies of information included). The 190th received veterans and recruits from the 42nd Pennsylvania, aka the Bucktails. This rifle's serial number is also listed as issued to the aforementioned on page 92 of the book "Civil War Sharps Carbines and Rifles" by Coates & McAulay.

Good, very acceptable for a historic Civil War issued rifle, with scattered mild pitting and wear, refurbished breech block and lever, and scattered dents, cracks and scratches in the refinished stock. Set trigger not functioning, otherwise mechanically fine. This is a desirable identified Berdan Sharpshooter Sharps Model 1859 Rifle!