This is one of approximately 1,000 Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Cavalry Carbines manufactured. One of the units issued these carbines was the 9th New York cavalry which was present and claims the first shot fired at the Battle of Gettysburg as part of Second Brigade which was part of Brigadier General John Buford's 1st Division. This carbine shows standard markings and features of the model including staple and saddle ring on the left of the action, and matching serial numbers on the tang and bottom of the barrel inside the action.