A Sharps Carbine for Bleeding Kansas

This Sharps Model1853 Slant Breech carbine is factory documented as sold to the Emigrant Aid Society during the antebellum conflict known as Bleeding Kansas. This fierce intrastate fighting between free-state, pro-slavery, and abolitionist forces drew hundreds to the state in an attempt to swing the popular vote that would legally settle the matter.

The Emigrant Aid Society raised funds, arms, and materiel for free-state voters who were moving to the state. The arms were often sent in crates marked "Bibles" to avoid confiscation as they traveled up the Missouri River.

From the esteemed Greg Lampe Collection, this piece of living history is available in Rock Island Auction Company's August 2023 Premier Auction.