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Assuming it is a Model 1859, it could well have been used in the Civil War. The carbine version is more common than the rifle version that you have, but they actually appeared in significant numbers in cavalry hands at a fairy late date. There were rifles like yours in some units at Gettysburg (July, 1863), and in later battles. I think the button behind the hammer has to do with the percussion priming system. This system, patented by Lawrence, I think, used a pellet primer automatically placed on the nipple. I don't think it worked very well. There should be a patent stamp for Lawrence, I think on the right side of the receiver. If your rifle had some Civil War provenance, it would be worth a bundle, in spite of condition issues. There is quite a bit known about the serial numbers of Sharps arms issued to Civil War regiments. Check out "Civil War Sharps Carbines and Rifles" by Coates and McAulay. Amazon sells it.
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