Approximately 2,970 Model 1853 Sporting Rifles were manufactured between 1854, and 1859 as stated by Frank Sellers in "Sharps Firearms." This example has a dovetailed blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight (slider absent), "SHARPS/PATENT/1852" on the lock, "SHARPS/PATENT/1846" on the top of the receiver, matching serial numbers (barrel, receiver, and lock), double set triggers, pewter forearm cap, patch box, smooth stock and forearm, and "9443" on the patch box and toe of the buttplate . An empty tap in the receiver suggests it was also once fitted with a peep sight.

Fair. The rifle has a fairly evenly applied artificial brown finish on the barrel and on the action. The markings remain mostly crisp but there are some signs of alteration on the metal surfaces and a few spots of minor oxidation and pitting. The re-oiled wood is chipped around the lock and has some dings and scratches throughout. The action and set triggers function fine.