1863 Sharps Carbine

[Randy1944]

I have just acquired an 1863 Sharps Carbine - still percussion. I have found some initials on the gun that I would like to find their meaning. Can someone help me? On the saddle ring fastener there is "J.H.G." On the left side of the barrel under the barrel band is "R". On the bottom of the barrel and under the forearm is "Z". The serial number is: 997** and it is still a .52 caliber. Thanks for the help.

 

[rcmodel]

JHG = J.H. Griffth, Civilian Inspector, USN Whitney Revolvers, 1862.

How that relates to a saddle ring on a Sharps, I do not know.

That all I got this late at night.

rc

 

[Jim K]

The single letters are likely factory inspectors' marks. It seems unlikely, though possible, that a navy inspector would have accepted Sharps carbines; maybe another look at those initials would help clarify things.

Jim

 

[Randy1944]

I wanted to thank you for your information. I have double checked and the initials are: J.H.G. as noted before. Could anyone suggest other sites for additional information? Thanks

 

[Jim K]

I don't know of any site specific to the Sharps, but there are other general gun sites, such as www.thefiringline.com and www.thefirearmsforum.com;you might try those.

Jim