IAB Sharps 1852 SILE Import .54 Cal Lever-Operated Falling Block Black Powder Rifle Replica
This IAB Sharps 1852 is an Italian-made reproduction of a Sharps-pattern percussion breechloading rifle, imported by SILE of New York, N.Y. It is a single-shot .54 caliber black powder rifle with a lever-operated falling block action, external percussion-style hammer, and a two-trigger configuration. Markings include period-style Sharps patent dates and a top-barrel legend referencing U.S. Sharps' Rifle Co. of Meriden, Conn.
CONDITION
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Specific Condition Notes: There are minimal markings from previous handling and use. The bore is bright and clean. Refer to pictures.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- IAB Sharps 1852 SILE (New York, N.Y.) import black powder rifle
This Sharps-pattern replica is marked "BLACK POWDER ONLY CAL. 54" on the barrel and is built as a single-shot, percussion breechloader with a 28.5 inch barrel and 1-round capacity. The lever-operated falling block action and external hammer match the classic Sharps layout associated with mid-19th-century designs.
The rifle is fitted with iron sights, using a fixed blade front sight on a base and a barrel-mounted folding/ladder-type rear sight. This setup provides a traditional sight picture consistent with the rifle's historic pattern.
Wood furniture includes a straight-grip sporting-style buttstock and a wood forearm with checkered panels. The receiver/lock area shows a mottled case-color-style appearance.
Markings include "IAB MARCHENO MADE IN ITALY" and "U.S. SHARPS' / RIFLE CO. / MERIDEN CONN" on the barrel, along with receiver/lock patent markings "C. SHARPS' PAT / SEPT. 12TH 1848" and "C.
SHARPS' PAT / OCT 5TH 1852." Import stamping includes "SILE NEW YORK, N.Y.," with additional small proof/inspection-style stamps near the serial number area that are not fully legible.