One of approximately 320 Sharps Model 1853 shotguns manufactured from 1854-1856. "Sharps Firearms -The Percussion Era" by Morcot, Paxton, and Marron lists one known example of this model with a smooth wood forend without nose cap on p. 263, like seen on this example.

Fair, with a mix of grey and brown patina, some scattered light pitting/oxidation, and the wood having a few significant cracks, a chip absent from the toe, and minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.