Factory engraved Sharps Model 1851 Sporting Rifle manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont, around 1854. Total production of Model 1851 Sporting Riles is estimated at 193 rifles. This rifle has a 27-inch, 32 bore (.36 caliber) round barrel with globe front sight and 'squirrel ear' rear sight. A standard, folding, peep sight is mounted on the receiver tang. The distinctive Model 1851 receiver has the hammer mounted inside the lock. The lock has a Maynard tape primer in front of the lock with hinged, downward opening trapdoor. The rifle has a piano finished, straight grain walnut stock and forearm with brass buttplate and patch box. The barrel is browned and the receiver, hammer and lock are color casehardened. This rifle is features factory "Extra Engraving" with tight Germanic style scrollwork on punch-dot background on the lock plate, receiver, primer door, hammer, upper and lower tang, lever latch, patch box, and buttplate heel. The top of the barrel has scrollwork panels between the rear sight and the receiver and for about six-inches behind the globe front sight. The screw heads are all engraved. The left side of the receiver is engraved with a patriotic motif that consists of a United States Shield topped with a Liberty Cap and flanked with two American flags on either side. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "ROBBINS &/LAWRENCE" in an engraved banner surrounded by scrollwork. "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1849" is stamped in three lines on the upper receiver tang followed by the serial number "1981". The tape primer magazine door is roll-stamped: "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1845" in three lines in a panel surrounded by scrollwork. Standard Sharps Model 1851 Sporting Rifles are very scarce; rifles with factory "Extra Engraving' are very rare.

Very good. The rifle retains traces of the brown finish on the barrel. The case colors on the receiver, lock, hammer and other components have aged to an attractive gray-brown patina. The brass patch box and buttplate have a mellow untouched patina. The right front edge of the hammer is chipped and the hammer, percussion nipple and surrounding areas of the receiver and breech block have light flash pitting. The lock plate, primer door and hammer show handling wear but the balance of the metal surfaces are smooth. The engraving on the left side of the receiver, barrel, patch box and buttplate is very crisp. All of the markings are sharp. The Maynard tape primer is complete and functional. The stock and forearm retain much of the high polish piano finish. The forearm has moderate handling wear with most of the wear concentrated on the underside. The stock has scattered minor dents and scratches, concentrated primarily on the left wrist but remains in fine overall condition. This is an example of a scarce Sharps Model 1851 Sporting Rifle with unique factory "Extra Engraving".