This is an attractive example of a Sharps Model 1853 slant breech sporting rifle with heavy "60 bore" (.44 caliber) octagonal barrel. Early Sharps rifles like this factory sporting rifle helped establish breech loading firearms in the U.S. and led to Sharps rifles and carbines being among the most significant firearms of the Civil War era and the settlement of the West after the war. Approximately 2,970 Model 1853 sporting rifles were manufactured between 1854-1859 in a variety of configurations. On page 49 of "Sharps Firearms," Frank Sellers lists a reported 1,127 sporting rifles were made chambered in "60 bore" (.44 caliber) with octagon barrels and plain finish. This group would have included a variety of barrel lengths and other features. This rifle features double set triggers and is fitted with an early folding single screw tang sight, a dovetailed front sight with brass blade, folding ladder rear sight on the barrel, pewter forearm cap and brass patch box on the right side of the buttstock. Matching serial number "9513" visible on top of the receiver, underside of the barrel, faint but legible on the rear flat of the forend, underside of the lock, underside of the patchbox door, and underside of the buttplate. The stock and forend are straight grain oil-finished American walnut with a pewter forearm tip, brass patchbox and buttplate. Sling swivels are fitted to the stock and the underside of the barrel. The barrel is browned and the receiver, hammer and lever are casehardened. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "SHARP'S RIFLE/MANUFG.CO./HARTFORD, CONN." in three lines ahead of the rear sight, with serial number "9513" on the top of the receiver to the left of the tang screw, "SHARPS/PATENT/1852" in three lines on the lock plate, and "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" on the left side of the receiver.

Extremely fine. Retains 80% original brown finish on the barrel, 85% plus vivid original case colors on the frame, lock, hammer, lower tang and lever, with scattered surface freckling on the iron components, strong traces of the original niter blue finish on the tang sight, attractive original bright golden patina on the brass components, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The re-oiled stock and forearm are fine with minor handling and storage marks, a reattached glued section visible on the bottom rear of the forearm, a spliced replacement section to the left of the buttplate tang, a few minor cracks visible, and defined edges. Requires setting of the trigger prior to cocking, and hangs up in half cock, mechanically needs work. This highly attractive example of an early production Sharps Model 1853 slant breech sporting rifle would make a fine addition to any antique American arms collection!