Cavalry Sharps, what are the options?

[Peter M. Eick]

I found out today that my Great Grandfather served in the 1st Iowa Volunteer Calvary company C.  While there he was issued a Sharps breech loading Calvary Carbine in 1863 along with Colt Revolvers (not specified as to the type) and a saber. 

I have now tracked his pathway down a bit and he served his hole commitment and was mustered out after losing an eye in battle and other injuries.  I am still digging into his history but I have found that he is listed in the Company C history and his name pops up occasionally in some of the history books.  Certainly not famous, but pretty impressive to see my kin had a direct impact in the war up in Arkansas.

So, Now I am interested in buying a shootable Sharps breech loading Calvary carbine.  I believe this would be a model of 1863 from the paperwork I have found.  My question to you all is who makes the best modern replica's and what ones should I avoid?

Also what is the proper name for this rifle?  I assume Sharps Calvary Carbine model 1863 Breech Loader?

Thanks a bunch.

[Deadeye Don]

Hi Peter.  This link will give you a start.   Taylors is one of the better known distributors of Civil War era and Indian War era reproduction weapons.  Taylors does not make them, but simply imports them.   I believe the paper cartridge sharps are made by Armi Sport.   Another distributor is  EMF.  Both are fine companies.  Regards.  Deadeye.

http://www.emf-company.com/blackpowder-rifle.htm

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/products/bpSharps.tpl

[Major 2]

In addition to Taylor's & EMF Don offered ( they will be Armi Sports )
Uberti showed a 63 at Shot Show 07 so maybe Cimarron has these now.

These guys claim to offer 59's and 63's
http://stores.brigadesutler.com/Categories.bok?category=Sharps+Collection+1859-1863+Black+Powder+Guns.

BTW  The 1st Iowa most likely were armed the 1860 Army's.. I own an Original 1860 issued to the 5th Iowa Cavalry.

Cavalry not Calvary     Calvary is a bibical location

[Deadeye Don]

Cavalry not Calvary     Calvary is a bibical location




Here we go.........   

[Major 2]

I meant no Disrespect, it's just after some 30 years a mounteed cavalry living historian & reenactor, having seen the word misused
many times... I tend to point out the correct spelling , to those who might care. 

So that a Calvary Baptist Church might not be mistaken as a rectory for old Horse Soldiers 


Cavalry -(from French cavalerie) were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback in combat.

Calvary - English language Western Christian name given to the site, outside of ancient Jerusalem's early 1st century walls.

[Pitspitr]

Peter,
Have you checked out this site yet?

http://www.civilwar.nps.gov/cwss/

[St. George]

Having commanded an actual Cavalry Squadron - I can also attest to the fact that 'Cavalry' is a state of mind...

The First Iowa carried the 'New Model 1859 and New Model 1863' - but they were also issued the 'New Model' .36 Remington.

My own GG Grandfather rode with the Second Iowa Volunteer Cavalry - their equipment records reflect this fact, and he was issued a 'New Model 1859' Sharps carbine, the 'New Model' .36 Remington and his Model 1860 Light Cavalry saber.

I have the saber and a number of other things from his Service - including his Veteran's ladder badge and daguerreotype showing him with kepi, shell jacket and saber.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Peter M. Eick]

Very sorry about the Cavalry difference. My spell checker did not catch the difference and I just blew it.  Sorry about that.

Thanks for the links on the NPS.  I did a quick search and he popped right up where he should.  Nothing special by his name but he was a private for the time in the service.  I guess not everyone can be a general or the like.

The information I have so far (history of the Iowa First Cavalry written about 1890) lists that they had new breech loading sharps model of 1863 carbines.  Thus I surmise that it would be new model 1863 carbine. 

Thanks for the links on the sites.  Now I at least know what I am looking for. 

On the revolver I guess I will have to search more.  Sounds like it could be an 1860 colt or a new model .36 Remington.

My aunt said she remembered a lot of my grandfathers stories about my great grandfather.  He was wounded in several battles, lost and eye but stayed with the troop and fought the whole tour up.  I am interested to see the mail as she mails more notes down to me.

Thanks for the help and the spelling lesson.

[Ranch 13]

If you want the "best" of the 63's then the offering from Shiloh would certainly fill that category.

[Deadeye Don]

If you want the "best" of the 63's then the offering from Shiloh would certainly fill that category.

Plus a 2 year wait. 

[Ranch 13]

Plus a 2 year wait. 

Maybe, maybe not. The long wait is sometimes a well overstated thing. The wait is definetly worth it.

[Major 2]

If you want the "best" of the 63's then the offering from Shiloh would certainly fill that category.

unless they have hanged the carbine Shiloh offers is the Confederate copy Richmond Sharps...without the Lawrance Pellet Primer..
in fact the Shiloh 63 Military Rifle mearly has a shaped profile lump to simulate the Lawrance pellet primer.

Now... if you can find one a Garrett Sharps made in the 1980's and imported by Walter Garrett of Virginia will be the the best copy
complete with working Lawrance Pellet Primer.