Christian Sharps is mostly remembered for the single shot breech loading rifles he invented in 1848, but most of the rifles inspired by that design were manufactured after he left the company, and he later formed a partnership with William Hankins in Philadelphia where he introduced a new Breechloading rimfire rifle and carbine design using a barrel that slide forward using a lever. These were manufactured in three different variations, and government records list 6,686 of these "Navy type" carbines were purchased for the U.S. Navy. The leather cover on the barrel was designed to protect the barrel from corrosive saltwater; many are badly damaged or absent due to extensive service, but this example remains very fine overall. It has the standard blade front sight, adjustable rear sight, and markings. Provenance: The Bob Noske Collection; The David Aroh Collection; Property of a Gentleman