Sharps Model 1853 Sporting Rifle manufactured between 1854 and 1859. The rifle receiver, hammer, lever, patch box, buttplate heel and lower portion of the barrel are decorated with factory "Extra Engraving" executed by master engraver, L.D. Nimschke or his shop. The engraving features bold Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background with detailed game scenes engraved on the patch box and the left side of the receiver. The edge of the barrel muzzle is engraved with a wave border. The rifle has a blued octagon barrel and color casehardened receiver, hammer, lever, patch box and buttplate. The forearm has a nickel-silver cap. The stock and forearm are fancy grain walnut with a varnish finish. The barrel has a dovetail mounted globe front sight and folding leaf rear sight. A early pattern tang sight with single screw base is mounted on the receiver tang. The lock has factory double-set triggers. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "SHARP'S RIFLE/MANUFg CO./HARTFORD CONN." in three lines reading from the breech to the muzzle. The lock plate is stamped with the early marking: "SHARP'S/PATENT/1852" in an engraved panel. "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" and the serial number "13385" are stamped on the top of the receiver tang and enclosed in an engraved ribbon. The letter "E" is stamped on the bottom left side of the receiver and the left side of the lower tang. The table on page 49 of "SHARPS FIREARMS" by Frank Sellers indicates that Sharps manufactured a total of 68 Model 1853 Sporting Rifles with octagon barrels and "Extra Fine" engraving in all calibers.

Very fine as partially restored. The rifle retains 90% of the faded original blue and 70% casehardened finish. The blue finish on the barrel has some edge wear and is starting to fade to a brown patina. The case colors on the receiver, hammer, lever, patch box and buttplate have fades to a mottled dove gray. The engraving is crisp and deep and the two game scenes show intricate detail. The factory markings on the barrel lock plate and receiver are sharp. The tang sight retains at least 50% of the original niter blue finish. The stock and forearm have been professionally refinished and show negligible handling wear. This is a very good example of a rare Sharps Model 1853 Sporting Rifle with factory "Extra Engraving" by master engraver L.D. Nimschke.