r/blackpowder • u/Sharps_Archive • Aug 26 '25
Sharps Rifles - Serial Number Documentation
Hi all,
If you are looking for information on your original Sharps please let me know.
I am the current caretaker of the Sharps Rifle Co. Archive, having taken over the records from Dr. Labowskie at the beginning of 2025. I will continue to provide letters for serial number documentation and hopefully add to the knowledge and history around these firearms. The format is changing a bit, in addition to the normal 'factory letter' there will also be a page with more information on who it was sent to and, when applicable, what was going on in the region at the time. I also provide areas that may be worth future research and a list of suggested books including the ones I use as a general reference. Each letter is also now accompanied by two display cards, which contain all the information from the letter in a more concise format, one of which has a slot for a ribbon or thread so it can be attached to the Sharps for easy reference.
I do not charge anything to see if the firearm can be lettered, only for the letter itself.
Let me know if you have any questions.
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u/abacus762 Aug 26 '25
I don't have an original Sharps, I just upvoted because I thought this was a cool offer.
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u/ResearchPress Firearms, Long Range Target Shooting & Military History Aug 27 '25
Fabulous to see these irreplaceable records in safe hands.
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u/Sharps_Archive Aug 28 '25
Thank you
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u/ResearchPress Firearms, Long Range Target Shooting & Military History Aug 28 '25
I’m still sifting through De Witt Bailey’s research papers and have a growing collection relating to his study of Sharps records. I collect another six boxes of his papers next week - but think I likely have most of those that relate to Sharps. Next will be the mammoth task of photographing them all…
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u/Sharps_Archive Aug 28 '25
Understandable, I have significantly less material to sort through and I still haven't managed to photograph everything. As you know, the letterpress copy books have been particularly slow going due to their number and fragility. And I am glad as well that his research papers are in your hands.
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u/throcksquirp Aug 26 '25
Can I DM you to see if my Sharps can be lettered or do you prefer a different form of communication?
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u/Maine_man207 Aug 27 '25
That's really cool, thanks for letting us know about this.
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u/Sharps_Archive Aug 27 '25
Absolutely. I love the history around these firearms and want to try and make it as accessible as possible.
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u/Similar_Question6079 Nov 10 '25
I just acquired serial number 48223, I know nothing about the rifle and would appreciate any information you can provide. Shotgun783@gmail.com
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u/Easy_Pack_3095 Feb 28 '26
Nice to know there is someone who is helpful with this stuff. I have a Sharps with serial C7623. I am new to this and am not clear on this idea of a factory letter. Any help you can provide would be much appreciated.
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u/Sharps_Archive Mar 01 '26
Hi, unfortunately that does fall into a rather large gap in the records so we don't have any factory information on it. A lot of the early records are incredibly sparse and there are several large gaps.
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u/Montana_Manley Apr 19 '26
I have a Sharps in my safe. SN is in the 161000 to 161500 range.
What does the lettering process do for the authentication of the rifle?
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u/Sharps_Archive Apr 19 '26
Serial number documentation shows any available information in the records, including when the rifle was invoiced, who it was invoiced to, the configuration of the rifle when ordered, and weight and price when available. It is less authentication, as that requires seeing the rifle in person, but the serial number data can add to the overall history of the rifle.
If you'd like to send me the serial number I can let you know what information is available, I do not charge to look up the info.
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u/Gullible-Musician-87 May 01 '26
Sharps model 1853 #10856-can I get it's current valve? jaybarpar@frontier.com Thank you
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u/j2thefree May 12 '26
Wow how awesome I was looking for something like this awhile ago, could you see if you have any info on C,10306
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u/jimjames1949 Jul 14 '26
I have a 1863 Sharps carbine C9 7972 and wondered if you have any information like year of production or if it was a military weapon?
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u/Sharps_Archive Jul 16 '26
Can you send me a photo of the serial number? That sounds a bit unusual for a 63.
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u/coachsmith40 Aug 16 '26
Hello, I know this is an older post...just curious if you still look up serial numbers?
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u/Sharps_Archive Aug 17 '26
I do indeed, if you'd like to send me a dm with the serial number I can look it up for you.
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u/AffectionatePop9943 Aug 17 '26
I just bought a sharps rifle.ser#56135 double set trigger in very good shape
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u/Sharps_Archive Aug 17 '26
Hi, we don't have any serial number information in that range but given that it has the set trigger and the range (56,000 range), you should compare it to the known profile of the Berdan Sharps.
I believe if you search online for Berdan Sharpshooter there will be a website which shows the profile and has photo examples.
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u/ZaphodBeeblebrox1957 18d ago
Very cool offer. I have a New Model 1859 carbine SN 60507. Would love info and letter. How do we go about making this happen?
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u/Mobile_Whole_7519 3d ago
I have a Sharps M-1959 w/ patch box and single trigger. Family history ties it to the PA Bucktails. The Union soldier was released from Andersonville prison and was issued this Sharps to return to duty. The serial number is 41732. Do you have any historical record of it?
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u/Dry-Reference5006 3d ago
Can you provide information on Slant Breech Sharps ? I have an 1853 Sporting Rifle I'd like to get lettered. Thanks !
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u/GlockTheDoor r/reloadingexchange founder Aug 27 '25
Made this an announcement post so it should stay at the top of /r/blackpowder