This is a unique example of a Sharps Model 1852 Carbine with modifications by Reilly of London. The carbine has the standard 'squirrel ear' rear sight and sling bar and ring on the left side of the receiver and barrel band. The barrel band, patch box and buttplate are brass. The breechblock lever key is retained by a spring on the right side of the forearm. The carbine has factory markings that consist of: "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFg CO/HARTFORD CONN" in three lines on the barrel between the rear sight and the breech, "C.SHARPS/PATENT/1848" in three lines on the top of the receiver and "SHARPS'/PATENT./1852." on the lock plate. The serial number, "5139" is visible on the upper receiver tang and the rear face of the breechblock. In addition, the top of the barrel is engraved: "REILLY. 502 NEW OXFORD STREET LONDON" in a single line between the rear sight and the barrel band. The lock plate is engraved: "REILLY/NEW OXFORD ST./LONDON" behind the Sharps markings. The carbine has been significantly modified by Reilly; the modifications consist of: (1) removal of the Maynard tape primer and filling the tape primer hole in the receiver, (2) removal of the percussion nipple on the breechblock, filling the nipple hole and flash channel in the breechblock and milling the top of the breechblock flat, (3) installation of a new percussion nipple and flash channel in the top of the receiver, (4) removal of the original hammer and replacement with an elongated, engraved hammer with checkered spur and (5) installation of a brass, half-moon, front sight. The hammer and the lock plate are decorated with well-executed, English style, scroll engraving. British proofmarks are stamped on the left side of the barrel, the top of the receiver and the breechblock. The modifications and engraving are expertly done. Edward M. Reilly was a London gunmaker who worked from 1850-1898 and specialized in percussion pistols.

Good. The carbine has a dark age patina on the barrel and receiver. There is moderate-heavy flash pitting of the percussion nipple and adjacent areas on the top of the receiver and barrel. The Sharps and Reilly markings on the top of the barrel are partially obscured by pitting. The Sharps marks on the receiver and the Sharps and Reilly marks on the lock plate are crisp. The brass barrel band, patch box and buttplate have a dark unpolished patina. The walnut stock and forearm are in very good condition with light to moderate handling wear. This is a very attractive Sharps Model 1852 Slant Breech Carbine with unusual, period, British gunsmith modifications. Outside of the collection at the Tower of London, one would be hard pressed to find another example of this British modification to a Sharps rifle. Very rare!