This is an example of a Sharps Model 1853 Sporting rifle. Only an estimated 2,970 were manufactured. The rifle has a heavy full octagon barrel, double set triggers, Rocky Mountain style blade front sight, and folding ladder rear sight (sliding notch absent). The slant breech receiver has the integral pellet primer. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut. The forearm has a plated iron tip, and the stock has a casehardened patch box and buttplate. The barrel is blued, and the receiver, hammer and lever are casehardened. The top of the barrel is stamped "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD, CONN." ahead of the rear sight. "SHARPS/PATENT/1852" is stamped on the lock plate, and "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" is roll stamped on the left side of the receiver. The serial number "13312" is stamped on the upper tang, the inside of the patch box door, and the underside of the renumbered (to match) barrel.