This is a very nice example of an extremely rare factory engraved Sharps Model 1851 Sporting Carbine manufactured by Robins & Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont, between October 1852 and April 1855. The carbine has the distinctive Maynard priming mechanism. The receiver lacks the sling ring hole in the left side found on Model 1851 Sporting Carbines below serial number 900. "SHARPS FIREARMS" by Frank Sellers indicates that a total of 10 Model 1851 Sporting Carbines were manufactured with 60 bore (45 caliber) barrels, engraved receivers, patch boxes and buttplates, and varnished stocks and forearms. The carbine has a brown finished barrel secured by a brass barrel band. The receiver, hammer and lever have a casehardened finish. The patch box and buttplate and buttplate are brass. The carbine is not fitted with the sling bar found on lower grade Model 1851 Carbines. The receiver, hammer, lever, patch box and buttplate are decorated with delicate and well-executed scroll engraving. The barrel has a folding Beach-type front sight and 'Squirrel Ear' rear sight. A folding leaf rear sight is mounted on a post on the upper tang. The top of the barrel is marked "ROBBINS&/LAWRENCE" between the barrel band and rear sight. "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848" is stamped on the upper tang followed by the serial number, "1776". The pellet primer door is marked: "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1845" and serial numbered "1776" on the inside. Mounted with a smooth varnished walnut forearm and straight grip stock.

Fine. The carbine retains 40% of the original brown on the barrel with an attractive deep brown patina on the balance. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina with strong original bright case colors on the inside edge of the hammer and in the loading cut out of the receiver. There are traces of original niter blue finish on the rear sight. The markings are clear and metal surfaces are generally smooth with some roughness near the muzzle. The Beach front sight is missing the post. There is some scattered and very light pitting on the sides of the receiver and lock plate. The top of the breechblock and hammer face show only traces of flash pitting. The engraving is crisp. The Maynard tape primer mechanism is complete and functional. The brass barrel band, patch box and buttplate have an attractive unpolished aged patina. The engraving on the patch box and buttplate is sharp. The stock and forearm have moderate handling wear and are good overall with most of the original high polish varnish. There is a period repaired crack in the right side of the stock wrist that extends from the upper to lower receiver tang. This is a fine example of an extremely rare factory engraved Sharps Model 1851 Sporting Carbine.