I have a Sharps New Model 1859 carbine with a 22" barrel, saddle ring and brass patch box. The problem is the forearm is 20 1/4" long and extends to within one inch of the end of the barrel. There is one brass band on the stock and what appears to be an insert for a rod on the under side of the forearm. There is a cartouche on the upper left side of the butt stock with the initials, "JT" and another inspector cartouche below it with a three letter marking. The last two letters appear to be "AT". The first letter could be a R, H, or K. Family history indicates that a relative was part of California's 1st Calvary Regiment in 1863, but I do not know if this rifle was possibly part of their armament. I suspect the forearm is a replacement, but don't know why it was not replaced with the standard carbine forearm. Any information would be helpful.
Thank you.
Howard Arnold