| The Sharps Carbine was invented by Christian Sharps
of New Jersey and was patented on September 12, 1848. In 1852 the
firm received its first government contract for 200 of the carbines priced
at $30.00 each. The breech loader was soon deemed a necessity for
the mounted troops, so it was as a cavalry carbine that this fine weapon
saw its most active service. Over 80,000 were used in the war but
government purchases of the rifles totaled less than 10,000. However,
many troops were armed with Sharps at their own expense or by their state
governments. During the Civil War, both the Union and the Confederacy
used the Sharps. In the South, the weapon was called the "Richmond
Sharps." Soon the weapon became the firearm of choice for special
regiments known as "Sharpshooters". The cavalry preferred the gun
because of its ease of use and accuracy of up to 600 yards.
 
The .52 caliber carbine was 39 inches long and weighed
8 pounds. The Sharps had a rate of fire of up to 10 rounds per minute.
A quick firing breech loading firearm, the Sharps introduced a highly intricate
firing mechanism using a lever that doubled as a trigger guard. When
the lever was pushed forward, the breech block was lowered (drawing at
right) and opened the gun's chamber so that a linen cartridge could be
inserted. When the chamber was closed, the sharp metallic edge on
the breech block would cut open the linen cartridge (photo at lower left)
and expose the powder for ignition by the hammer striking a percussion
cap. One major problem with the sharps was blackpowder build up in
the fore stock. When the front breechblock cut through the paper
or linen cartridge, some powder spilled out and fell between the fore stock
and the barrel. This powder build up caused a secondary explosion
when the percussion cap was detonated to fire a new round. This additional
burn accounted for some minor injuries to the soldier and many split fore
stocks. The problem of secondary ignition is still prevalent in the
new reproduction Sharps. That is why it is necessary to invert the
carbine and blow out the extra powder in the breech block occasionally
during use.
The carbine was issued with the customary ring and slide
for a sling. An interesting variation was the incorporation of a
small coffee mill with a detachable handle in the butt. The idea
was to supply one to every company (coffee was frequently issued in the
bean), but only a very few were ever so altered. The carbine was
also manufactured with and without the patch box (see photo at top) built
into the rifle's buttstock.
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