This carbine is featured multiple times in "Sharps Firearms: The Percussion Era 1848-1865" by Marcot, Paxton, and Marron in "Chapter 8: Sharps Model 1852 Military Carbines." On page 156, the authors write, "On January 2, 1852, the Chief of Ordnance, Colonel Henry K. Craig, contacted the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. (SRMCo.) to confirm that the U.S. Army wanted to purchase 200 Sharps carbines with the Maynard tape priming system...SRMCo. President John C. Palmer, wrote Colonel Craig on February 6th, that his company would like to substitute the Sharps pellet priming system on some of the carbines just ordered. Three days later, Colonel Craig informed Palmer that 50 of the Army's Order could have the Sharps' new pellet priming system, while the remainder must utilize Maynard's tape primer system." These carbines were delivered on September 26, 1853, and subjected to field trials. On page 166, they note, "Authenticated Military contract carbines include sn. 2092 and 2109." 2092 is the current carbine, and 2109 was sold by Rock Island Auction Company in December 2007 and was featured in "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers and also appears on page 162 of "Sharps Firearms: The Percussion Era 1848-1865." Some earlier publications such as Sellers' book suggested a second order for Model 1852 carbines, but only 50 are documented as having been ordered. The scarcity of the U.S. contract Model 1852 carbines makes them among the rarest of all U.S. martial arms and all Sharps firearms. They are significant in paving the way for the Model 1853 carbines and the "straight breech" Sharps used during the Civil War. This carbine has a tall brass blade front sight, "squirrel ear" adjustable notch rear sight, adjustable folding peep sight, and "US/SK/P" on the upper left side of the barrel at the breech end. Samuel Knous was the inspector sent to the Sharps factory by the Army Ordnance Dept. to inspect the Model 1851 and 1852 Carbines. Traces of a cartouche are visible on the stock. "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848" is marked on the upper tang, and "C. SHARPS'/PATENT./1852" is marked on the lock plate. The breechblock is equipped with a platinum ring to help seal the breech. The number on the rear of the breechblock matches the one on the upper tang. The sling ring bar runs from the receiver to a lug on the left side of the brass barrel band. Provenance: The Steve & Linda Evans Collection

Very good with gray and brown patina on the iron, attractive aged patina on the brass mounts, oxidation, and mild overall wear mainly consisting of some dents and scrapes on the wood. Mechanically fine. This is an extraordinarily rare and significant U.S. contract Sharps Model 1852 "Slant Breech" Military Carbine.