Manufactured from 1853 to 1855 with a total production of approximately 4,997. This is the earliest Sharps Model with the distinctive "slanting breech" and is fitted with the lever hinge pin retaining spring mounted on the right rear of the forearm. The upper tang is marked "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848" followed by the serial number and the lock is marked "SHARPS/PATENT/1852". The inside of the patch box door is unmarked. The front sight and rear sight leaf are absent. Sling swivel and the saddle ring are absent. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with brass patch box (extra percussion nipple inside) and carbine buttplate. (Page 46 of "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers identifies this as a "plain varnished" grade of carbine, one of 159 produced).

Good. The barrel has a smooth dark brown patina with strong traces of the original arsenal bright finish around the forward area of the forearm. There are a small amount of tool marks on the breech end sides of the barrel. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth mottled brown and gray patina with a dark untouched aged patina on the brass components. The period sanded, lightly oiled stock also remains good. There is a large chip on the stock toe and the buttplate toe is bent. There are a few minor cracks and a few slivers absent on the front of the forearm, a minor crack on the top and bottom right side of the wrist, and overall minor dents and dings. The markings are readable. The action is fine.