Civil War Relicman Harry Ridgeway
	Winchester, Virginia USA (changed hands 70 times in the Civil War!) authentic Civil War relics, bought and sold.
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Weapons (pre 1898) of the Civil War Relicman Sales catalog.

Relicman-Sales-Weapon-Breechloader . Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-Breechloader.html

W1394 ### Breechloader, Merrill single shot percussion carbine, First Type, brass patchbox and breech lever secured with rounded latch, .54cal. (sn# 6231) . Merrill carbine bears a unique breech system with a long lever released by a spring latch, and is percussion primed using a paper cartridge. This model with brass patchbox is referred to as First Type, however this is a collector term of convenience, and not a contemporary designation. Manufactured by H. Merrill, Baltimore Maryland. Marks on lock forward of the hammer, J. H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY, 1858 / APL. 9. MAY 21 - 28 - 61, serial number appears on rear of the hammer, and on the breach tang. Breech lever is marked J. H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY, 1858. Additional inspector marks inside the loading lever. Standard features include: brass buttplate, brass patch box, brass trigger guard, single brass band, saddle riding ring and bar on the left side, two leaf hinged sight, rifled with three grooves. On early production, the breech latch is rounded. Research Center: Weapon2321-Breechloader-Merrill-Carbine . Reference: Flayderman 9B-075. Barrel length 22.125in. Serial number, 6231, appears on rear of the hammer, and on the breach tang. For sale $2,000.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1394.html

W1438 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire carbine, Model 1865, 56/52 cartridge, cavalry model fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 16738) . Spencer Model 1865 carbine was manufactured by Burnside Rifle company, Providence Rhode Island. Approximately 34,000 were produced, serial numbers ran from 1 to 34000. The straight cartridge used for the Model 1860 carbine was replaced with a new tapered cartrige, referred to as 56 /52 or 56 /50, the actual bullet was either .52cal or .50cal. Burnside introduced 3 groove rifling, otherwise most of the Spencer design details were followed. Spencer Model 1865 was manufactured by Burnside Rifle company, Providence Rhode Island. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE / PAT'D MARCH 6, 1860 / MANUF'D AT PROV.R.I. / BY BURNSIDE RIFLE CO. Additional vertical stamping MODEL / 1865. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks on the receiver, and barrel. The Model 1865 featured a shorter barrel, 20 inches, versus 22 inches. In addition the smooth thumbstall on the magazine was replaced with a ridged thumbstall, and the hammer was redesinged with a bevel to narrow the striking surface. Most were fitted with the Stabler cutoff, which effectively converted the repeater back to single shot, this slowed the shooting but reduced jams. Research Center: Weapon2455-Breechloader-Spencer-Carbine-Model-1865 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-089. Barrel length, 20in. Serial number, 16738. For sale $2,000.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1438.html

W1444 ### Breechloader, Sharps single shot percussion carbine, New Model 1863, no patchbox, cavalry model fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 93546) . Sharps carbine was a single shot percussion breechloader using paper cartridge. The Sharps series of rifles and carbines became the most important breechloaders utilized in the Civil War. The Model 1863, reflected only minor improvements over the Model 1859, mostly elimination of the patchbox. Serial numbers for the New Model 1863 generally run 65,000 to 140,000, some overlap with other models. Manufactured by Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co., Hartford, Connecticut. Mark on sight, R.S. LAWRENCE / PATENTED / FEB. 15TH 1859. . Mark forward of sight, SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO. / HARTFORD CONN. Notches on top of barrel and receiver for alignment. Mark on lock near center: C. SHARPS' PAT. / OCT. 5TH 1852. Mark upper lock: R. S. LAWRENCE' PAT. / APRIL 12TH 1859. Mark left side of receiver: C. SHARPS' PAT. / SEPT. 12TH 1848. Serial number on rear breech. Cartouches on wood on left side beneath the saddle bar indicate government inspection, additional inspector marks, on the barrel. Standard features include: iron buttplate, iron loading lever serves as a trigger guard, one iron band, percussion nipple was designed to utilize a tape primer system that did not work very well and was usually disabled, but conventional cap served effectively, hinged Sharps sight, rifling with six lands and grooves. Intended for cavalry use, saddle bar and ring installed on left side for hanging from a sling, strap hook on bottom of butt. Mark on top of barrel, NEW MODEL 1863. Research Center: Weapon2427-Breechloader-Sharps-Carbine-Model-1863-v2 . Reference: Flayderman 5F-021. Barrel length 22in. Serial number, 93546. For sale $3,000.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1444.html

W1445 ### Breechloader, Sharps single shot percussion carbine, New Model 1863, no patchbox, cavalry model fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 96667) . Sharps carbine was a single shot percussion breechloader using paper cartridge. The Sharps series of rifles and carbines became the most important breechloaders utilized in the Civil War. The Model 1863, reflected only minor improvements over the Model 1859, mostly elimination of the patchbox. Serial numbers for the New Model 1863 generally run 65,000 to 140,000, some overlap with other models. Manufactured by Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co., Hartford, Connecticut. Mark on sight, R.S. LAWRENCE / PATENTED / FEB. 15TH 1859. . Mark forward of sight, SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO. / HARTFORD CONN. Notches on top of barrel and receiver for alignment. Mark on lock near center: C. SHARPS' PAT. / OCT. 5TH 1852. Mark upper lock: R. S. LAWRENCE' PAT. / APRIL 12TH 1859. Mark left side of receiver: C. SHARPS' PAT. / SEPT. 12TH 1848. Serial number on rear breech. Cartouches on wood on left side beneath the saddle bar indicate government inspection, additional inspector marks, on the barrel. Standard features include: iron buttplate, iron loading lever serves as a trigger guard, one iron band, percussion nipple was designed to utilize a tape primer system that did not work very well and was usually disabled, but conventional cap served effectively, hinged Sharps sight, rifling with six lands and grooves. Intended for cavalry use, saddle bar and ring installed on left side for hanging from a sling, strap hook on bottom of butt. Mark on top of barrel, NEW MODEL 1863. Research Center: Weapon2427-Breechloader-Sharps-Carbine-Model-1863-v2 . Reference: Flayderman 5F-021. Barrel length 22in. Serial number, 96667. For sale $3,000.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1445.html

W1452 ### Breechloader, Sharps single shot percussion carbine, New Model 1863, no patchbox, cavalry model fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# C23531) . Sharps carbine was a single shot percussion breechloader using paper cartridge. The Sharps series of rifles and carbines became the most important breechloaders utilized in the Civil War. The Model 1863, reflected only minor improvements over the Model 1859, mostly elimination of the patchbox. Serial numbers for the New Model 1863 generally run 65,000 to 140,000, some overlap with other models. Manufactured by Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co., Hartford, Connecticut. Mark on sight, R.S. LAWRENCE / PATENTED / FEB. 15TH 1859. . Mark forward of sight, SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO. / HARTFORD CONN. Notches on top of barrel and receiver for alignment. Mark on lock near center: C. SHARPS' PAT. / OCT. 5TH 1852. Mark upper lock: R. S. LAWRENCE' PAT. / APRIL 12TH 1859. Mark left side of receiver: C. SHARPS' PAT. / SEPT. 12TH 1848. Serial number on rear breech. Cartouches on wood on left side beneath the saddle bar indicate government inspection, additional inspector marks, on the barrel. Standard features include: iron buttplate, iron loading lever serves as a trigger guard, one iron band, percussion nipple was designed to utilize a tape primer system that did not work very well and was usually disabled, but conventional cap served effectively, hinged Sharps sight, rifling with six lands and grooves. Intended for cavalry use, saddle bar and ring installed on left side for hanging from a sling, strap hook on bottom of butt. Mark on top of barrel, NEW MODEL 1863. Research Center: Weapon2427-Breechloader-Sharps-Carbine-Model-1863-v2 . Reference: Flayderman 5F-021. Barrel length 22in. Serial number, C23531. For sale $3,000.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1452.html

W1474 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire carbine Model 1860, 56/56 cartridge, cavalry model fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 48901) . Spencer carbine was a repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. Serial numbers run to about 67,000. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks may appear on the receiver, and barrel. Standard features include: The hammer striker head is flat and wider than the receiver, leaving an edge not aligned with the receiver. Chamber edges are sharp, bore has six lands and grooves. Carbine is fitted with an iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight. Intended for cavalry use, saddle bar and ring installed on left side for hanging from a sling, strap hook on bottom of butt. Research Center: Weapon2451-Breechloader-Spencer-Carbine-Model-1860-v2 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-086. Barrel length, 22in. Serial number, 48901. For sale $2,900.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1474.html

W1482 ### Breechloader, Sharps single shot percussion carbine, New Model 1863, no patchbox, cavalry model fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 92073) . Sharps carbine was a single shot percussion breechloader using paper cartridge. The Sharps series of rifles and carbines became the most important breechloaders utilized in the Civil War. The Model 1863, reflected only minor improvements over the Model 1859, mostly elimination of the patchbox. Serial numbers for the New Model 1863 generally run 65,000 to 140,000, some overlap with other models. Manufactured by Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co., Hartford, Connecticut. Mark on sight, R.S. LAWRENCE / PATENTED / FEB. 15TH 1859. . Mark forward of sight, SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO. / HARTFORD CONN. Notches on top of barrel and receiver for alignment. Mark on lock near center: C. SHARPS' PAT. / OCT. 5TH 1852. Mark upper lock: R. S. LAWRENCE' PAT. / APRIL 12TH 1859. Mark left side of receiver: C. SHARPS' PAT. / SEPT. 12TH 1848. Serial number on rear breech. Cartouches on wood on left side beneath the saddle bar indicate government inspection, additional inspector marks, on the barrel. Standard features include: iron buttplate, iron loading lever serves as a trigger guard, one iron band, percussion nipple was designed to utilize a tape primer system that did not work very well and was usually disabled, but conventional cap served effectively, hinged Sharps sight, rifling with six lands and grooves. Intended for cavalry use, saddle bar and ring installed on left side for hanging from a sling, strap hook on bottom of butt. Mark on top of barrel, NEW MODEL 1863. Research Center: Weapon2427-Breechloader-Sharps-Carbine-Model-1863-v2 . Reference: Flayderman 5F-021. Barrel length 22in. Serial number, 92073. For sale $2,700.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1482.html

W1483 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire carbine Model 1860, 56/56 cartridge, cavalry model fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 66719) . Spencer carbine was a repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. Serial numbers run to about 67,000. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks may appear on the receiver, and barrel. Standard features include: The hammer striker head is flat and wider than the receiver, leaving an edge not aligned with the receiver. Chamber edges are sharp, bore has six lands and grooves. Carbine is fitted with an iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight. Intended for cavalry use, saddle bar and ring installed on left side for hanging from a sling, strap hook on bottom of butt. Research Center: Weapon2451-Breechloader-Spencer-Carbine-Model-1860-v2 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-086. Barrel length, 22in. Serial number, 66719. For sale $1,900.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1483.html

W1513 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire carbine, Model 1860, with 1865 modifications, Stabler cutoff using 56/52 cartridge, cavalry model fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 45246) . Spencer carbine was a repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was originally used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. However, the 7 shot repeater proved to be unreliable, having a tendency to jam, so a number were reverted back to single shot by installation of the Stabler cutoff. This was lever installed on the bottom of the receiver, it could be switched on or off to enable or block the feed from the magazine. A square notch was cut into the bottom of the receiver, if the lever is removed, which is common, the square notch remains. In addition the sharp edges of the top of the receiver were milled rounded, this so that the cartridges could be more easily inserted into the chamber. The straight cartridge was also redesigned to a tapered cartridge 56 / 52 or 56 / 50, the bullet was smaller but still about .52 cal. The orginal six groove rifling was milled, and a sleeve was inserted with three groove rifling. The 22inch barrel was not shortened. The straight edge of hammer was milled to a bevel eliminating the edge protruding from the side of the receiver, however this 1865 beveled hammer was the same size as the 1860 straight hammer, so either can be found. The smooth magazine thumbstall was replaced with a ribbed surface. However, since the point of the conversion was to disable the magazine, either magazine can be found. Serial numbers run to about 67,000, all were manufactured before 1865 about 10,000 were modified in 1865. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. The wood was often refinished, old cartouches were sanded out and sometimes a new one will appear on the butt. No changes were made to the other features, iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight, saddle bar and ring installed on left side for hanging from a sling, strap hook on bottom of butt. Research Center: Weapon2451-Breechloader-Spencer-Carbine-Model-1860-v3 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-087. Barrel length, 22in. Serial number, 45246. This reflects 1865 modifications, chamber is milled, three groove rifling, the receiver is notched for Stabler cutoff, however lever tab has been removed. Hammer is straight 1860 hammer and thumbstall is smooth and not ribbed. For sale $2,000.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1513.html

W1517 ### Breechloader, Smith single shot percussion carbine, cavalry model with saddle bar, MANUFACTURED BY / AM' N M'CH'N WKS / SPRINGFIELD MASS, address is under the saddle bar, .50cal. (sn# 6596) . Smith carbine utilized a paper or rubber cartridge and employed a unique loading system, the barrel swivels downward like a shotgun upon release by a latch underneath. Developed and marketed early, The Smith carbine was used extensive by Northern cavalry units that enlisted early. Manufactured by American Machine Works, Springfield, Massachusetts, Poultry and Trimble, Baltimore were selling agents. All marks are on the left side in three panels, manufacturer mark, MANUFACTURED BY / AM' N M'CH'N WKS / SPRINGFIELD MASS, is on the bottom panel under the saddle bar and is difficult to read, selling agent mark, ADDRESS / POULTNEY & TRIMBLE / BALTIMORE, U.S.A., appears on rear panel top, and the patent date, SMITH'S PATENT / JUNE 23, 1857. is vertical on the forward panel. Serial number appears twice on the bottom. Inspector cartouche in wood on left side behind the receiver indicated government inspection, additional inspector markmay be found on the barrel or other parts. Standard features include: iron buttplate, single iron barrel band, saddle riding bar and ring on left side, latch on top of barrel with release on bottom, hinged sight, six lands & grooves. Research Center: Weapon2440-Breechloader-Smith-Carbine-v3 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-085. Barrel length 21.625in. Serial number, 6596. Manufacturer mark is directly under the saddle bar. For sale $2,500.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1517.html

W1527 ### Breechloader, Sharps single shot percussion carbine, Model 1853, slanting breech, .52cal. (sn# 9954) . Sharps carbine was a single shot percussion breechloader using paper cartridge. The Sharps series of rifles and carbines became the most important breechloaders utilized in the Civil War. The Model 1853 played a prominent role in the Kansas struggle and is sometimes referred to as the John Brown Sharps or Beecher's Bibles, it was available well before the Civil War, was mostly bought by private individuals or militia groups. Serial numbers for the Model 1853 generally run 9,000 to 19,000. The Model 1853 was essentially the same weapon as the Model 1852 and continued use of the slanting breech, so called based on the angled position of the breech on the frame. Manufactured by Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co., Hartford, Connecticut. Mark on top of barrel: SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. Mark on breech tang: C. SHARPS / PATENT / 1848 and serial number. Mark on the receiver: C. SHARPS' / PATENT / 1852. Standard features include: brass buttplate, brass patchbox, iron loading lever serves as a trigger guard, one brass band, percussion nipple was designed to utilize a tape primer system that did not work very well and was usually disabled, but conventional cap served effectively, hinged Sharps long range sight, rifling with six lands and grooves. Research Center: Weapon2423-Breechloader-Sharps-Carbine-Model-1853 . Reference: Flayderman 5F-010. Barrel length 21.5in. Serial number, 9954. Carving WM YARBRO TIFTON 1862 , meaning of this is not determined. For sale $5,500.00 Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Relicman-Sales-Weapon-W1527.html

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All weapons I sell are "pre 1898 weapons". This exempts antique firearms from regulation, which means that they can be owned, or shipped through the mail, no permitting or licensing is required. The complete text of the law can be found in the Cornell online law library:
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00000921----000-.html The following relevant excerpt is taken from the law:
(3) The term (firearm) means
(A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;
(B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon;
(C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or
(D) any destructive device.

Such term does not include an antique firearm.

(16) The term (antique firearm) means:
(A) any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; or.....

This means that pre 1898 weapons are excluded from the law by definition, therefore none of the rest of the law applies to antique weapons made before 1898.

One caution though, the weapons can be dangerous if not properly handled or used maliciously, so please be careful with them.

A note about safety of antique weapons: Pre 1898 weapons are not regulated because the law exempts them as weapons. They are old, they are antique, and some are compromised and altered well beyond their original design. Any of them can be fired, but safety is always a concern with antique weapons. Safety is also a concern if you drive an antique car on the road. With any antique, special care needs to be exercised, you do not want to simply take the thing off the shelf and shoot it. It should be carefully inspected, cleaned, serviced, and tested before firing. Most of these weapons have not been fired in at least 100 years, and the better ones have probably not been fired since the Civil War itself. There is risk of blockage, stressed metal, improper loading, and other problems that might not be imagined. In addition many collectors would consider any cleaning or use of a historic piece to be a compromise. A premium is paid for originality and condition of a historic piece, sometimes this premium is very significant for an unfired piece, a weapon never gets in better condition as it gets handled. However if you choose to fire an antique weapon versus displaying it, you will want to take it apart, thoroughly clean and inspect it before you fire it, or at least you ought to do that. These antique weapons require an entirely different approach versus the licensed modern weapons that are readily available and more easily and safely used for sport firing and hunting. As a dealer selling strictly antique weapons, I do not warrant any use.


All items listed are guaranteed authentic to the Civil War or as otherwise described.
Any excavated relics have been recovered from private property with owners permission.
Any artillery or ordnance relics have been disarmed and rendered safe.
All weapons are pre 1898 antique weapons, and are exempt from Federal regulation, no licenses or permits are required.


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