Z8957 .52 Sharps Paper Cartridge with Light Salmon Paper
Description: Offered is a fine example of a .52 Sharps cartridge constructed in the tied-paper style typical of standard issue. This specimen appears to follow the 1856 U.S. Ordnance Department regulations and features a light salmon-colored paper wrapper.
Often referred to in collecting circles as a "C.S. Fayetteville Sharps Cartridge,” this designation remains speculative. Dean Thomas, in Round Ball to Rimfire, Vol. 4, notes that this style of cartridge first appears in Berkeley R. Lewis’s work, where it is listed for use in a .54 rifle and specifically identified by its salmon-colored paper. To date, I have found no documentation referencing these cartridges prior to Lewis’s publication.
According to what Thomas wrote for No. 216 in RBTRF Vol. 4, I suspect he was on the fence about a positive ID for this cartridge. I was given a file of Dean's that does attribute these cartridges to an 1864 Fayetteville packet designated as .54 cartridge for Austrian or Mississippi rifles. Where this file originated is unknown. With that being said, this cartridge was saved for use in RBTRF Vol. 4., so he must have felt it had some merit being listed in the Confederate cartridges book.
The projectile is a flat-based "New Model” Sharps bullet, consistent with mid-19th century military issue. This cartridge is in excellent condition and is accompanied by a digital x-ray of the exact specimen. It comes from the personal collection of noted historian and author Terry White.
Regardless of where it was produced, this is a scarce and desirable variant of the Sharps paper cartridge.
Measures: OAL 2.325” D .554” Weight 542 Grains
Reference: "Round Ball to Rimfire” Thomas Vol. 4, Pg. 194, No. 216
Reference: "Small Arms and Ammunition in the United States Service” Lewis, Plate 33, No. I
Recovered: Ex. Terry White Collection
Price: $295.00 UPS Shipping Required
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