The Sharps Model 1852 was the earliest Sharps having the distinctive relief contoured "slanting breech" on the frame. Another key feature distinctive to the 1852 is the retaining spring on the right rear section of the forearm securing the lever hinge pin. Approximately 600 of the Sporting Rifles were produced, with only 103 with octagon barrels in this caliber. An even rarer feature of the gun is the double set triggers. This rifle is equipped with a heavy octagon barrel with a brass blade front sight and a "squirrel ear" rear sight. The barrel is marked "SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFR CO / HARTFORD CONN" behind the rear sight. The upper tang is marked "C. SHARPS / PATENT / 1848" just ahead of the serial number and the matching serial number is also marked on the bottom of the barrel under the forearm and on the inside of the patch box door. The rifle is mounted with a smooth forearm with a pewter forend cap and straight grip stock with a brass carbine style buttplate.

Very good. The barrel has a smooth plum brown patina with some scattered thin original blue finish near the muzzle end and a couple small areas of minor spotting. The remaining surfaces have a smooth dark patina. The wood has been lightly sanded and varnished during period of usage and remains very good with scattered minor dings, scratches and dents. The brass has an aged patina. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.