This is one of only 193 produced, according to the estimates in SHARPS FIREARMS by Frank Sellers, making it one of the rarest of all Sharps productions arms. The Model 1851 is easily identified by its hammer, mounted inside of the lock plate. While carbine versions were used by the U.S. Dragoons in Texas and New Mexico, some were used during the North Pacific Exploring Expedition, these sporting rifles with longer barrels saw hard use by pioneers in the West primarily for hunting larger game such as bison prior to the Civil War; some were undoubtedly used in defense as well. It has brass blade front and folding leaf rear sights and is equipped with the Maynard primer device with faintly visible patent markings. The barrel is marked "ROBBINS &/LAWRENCE" while the upper tang is marked "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1849" followed by the serial number which is also marked on the bottom of the barrel and underside of the forearm. It has a smooth walnut stock with a brass patch box and slightly curved buttplate, and a smooth forearm secured to the barrel by two screws instead of the screw and barrel band used on the carbines. The upper tang has an empty tap for the absent standard tang peep sight.