Manufactured from 1852-55 with a total production of about 1,857, some of which were sold on U.S. Army and U.S. Navy contracts. This particular carbine is a civilian "Sporting" carbine. They were known as the "Box Lock" Carbine and were manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence for Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. and carried the Sharps name. This is a breech loading 52 caliber percussion carbine, using Maynard tape primer contained under a hinged trapdoor on the front of the lock. This model is easily distinguished by the hammer which is mounted inside the lock. The upper tang is marked "C SHARPS/PATENT/1848" followed by the serial number and the primer cover is marked "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1845". It has the correct brass blade front sight and folding "squirrel ear" rear sight, and saddle ring bar attached to the left side of the barrel band and receiver, with saddle ring. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a brass buttplate. Comes with a small wooden plaque with inscribed brass plate.

Fair. The metal surfaces have a dark patina with some heavy pitting on the top of the breechblock and areas around the breechblock, including the hammer head. The breech end of the barrel has pin prick type pitting. There are some tool marks on the breech end sides of the barrel. There are a couple of pieced in repairs on the forearm and the wrist has been repaired. The rear lock screw protrudes about an 1/8 inch higher than the lock. The left side of the wrist is slightly warped. The buttplate has a dark untouched aged patina. There are a few minor chips on the breech end of the forearm and a small gouge, otherwise there are only a few minor dings overall. The action is fine.