This is a very fine example of a scarce Sharps Model 1853 Military rifle that was manufactured circa 1854 to 1856. These rifles are identical in contour to the carbine and retained the carbine forearm and were equipped with the longer barrel with a lug mounted on the underside for a saber type bayonet. The top of the barrel at the breech is marked "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN", the lock is marked "SHARPS/PATENT/1852 and the upper receiver tang is marked "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" followed by the serial number. The back of the breechblock is marked with the three line Conant patent marking and the matching serial number is marked on the inside of the patch box door. Fixed blade front sight, folding leaf rear sight absent of graduation markings and Lawrence Patent marked on the base, blue barrel, casehardened receiver and lock, brass barrel band, patch box and buttplate and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock.

Very fine. The barrel retains 70% original blue finish with overall moderate pinpoint surface oxidation. The remaining metal surfaces have half of the original case colors with the balance a smooth dark patina. The brass components have a dark, untouched aged "mustard yellow" patina. The wood is also very fine with most of the original finish and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches associated with a gun of this age. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent. An exceptionally attractive example of a very rare Sharps Military rifle.