Thread: My oldest cartridge rifle 1859 ( picture heavy )

I have a .52" Sharps 1853 carbine, still original with an excellent bore. It is ex US Dragoons and was issued on the Pacific Coast for service against the Indians in the mid 1850's. The stock has marks and minor bruises from the saddle in arc on the left side of the butt. I will make some paper cartridges for it when I can find a correct .52" mould. The Sharps are neat and well-made guns.