The Model 1853 Slanting Breech Carbine was also known as the "John Brown Model" and was manufactured by Robbins and Lawrence, Windsor, Vermont for the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. until October of 1856 and made by Sharps thereafter. The Model 1853 was made from 1854 through 1857 with approximately 10,500 produced. The lock is marked "SHARPS / PATENT / 1852", the upper tang is marked "SHARPS / PATENT / 1848" followed by the serial number, and the top of the barrel between the rear sight and breech is marked "SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG CO. / HARTFORD, CONN.". The matching serial number is marked on the upper tang, bottom of the barrel under the forearm, on the inside of the patch box door and the inside toe of the buttplate. These Model 1853s can be distinguished from the Model 1852 by the small spring retained stud mounted on the right side of the frame to retain the lever hinge pin, although according to the Sharps Manufacturing Company the Model 1852 and 1853 were the same model with the former being totally made in Windsor, Vermont. The lock is equipped with the Sharps pellet primer mounted on the lock, small blade front sight and "R.S. Lawrence" folding leaf rear sight graduated to 800 yards. The carbine does not have a saddle ring bar mounted on the left wrist, however has a blank screw on the left side of the receiver where the bar would attach. Brass patch box and buttplate and mounted with a smooth forearm with a pewter forend and straight grip stock.

Very good. The barrel has a smooth mottled gray/brown patina on the barrel, a smooth dark mottled patina on the hammer and lever and a mottled dark and silver gray patina on the lock and receiver. The forearm has two repaired cracks on the right side, the wood has been varnished and overall remains good with some scattered minor dings and scratches. The markings remain clear. Mechanically fine.