Manufactured in 1857, this is one of only 100 of these Sharps Model 1855 carbines in .577 caliber purchased on contract by the U.S. Navy, and all of them were reportedly issued to the U.S. naval vessels subsequently sent on the Paraguay expedition of 1858-1859, per pages 197-198 of "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition, 5F-014.4). These U.S. Navy contract Sharps Model 1855 carbines are found in the approximate serial range 20000-26000, according to page 40 of "Civil War Sharps Carbines & Rifles" by John D. McAulay. "U.S.N" marked on top of the buttplate, with tiny five point stars in place of the dots between the letters. This example has no markings on the patchbox finial, unlike some of the limited surviving examples witnessed with an "I/SCR/1857" marking, although its features and "U.S.N" buttplate marking are consistent with the surviving examples. No visible markings on the barrel, the upper receiver tang has the "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" marking ahead of the serial number, "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE 1845." marked on the primer door, with the matching serial number marked on the upper receiver tang and bottom of the barrel concealed by the forearm. Brass blade front and four-leaf notch rear sight similar to the British contract examples. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a brass barrel band, patchbox and buttplate. Relevant information on these U.S. Navy purchased Sharps Model 1855 carbines can be found on pages 38-41 of the book "Civil War Sharps Carbines & Rifles" by McAulay. The consignor indicated this carbine was purchased from Lewis Leigh Jr. on April 1, 2019. Provenance: The Lewis Leigh Jr. Collection; Private Collection

Very good exhibiting signs of genuine Naval use, with artificially applied brown visible on top of the barrel, the lever and tape primer cover retain 40% plus original blue finish, with brown patina on the balance, scattered areas of light pitting/oxidation, and attractive golden aged patina on the brass. Wood is also very good as re-oiled, with numerous scattered dents, chips, scratches. Mechanically fine. An extremely rare example of an early U.S. Navy purchased Sharps M1855 carbine.