The Model 1853 was manufactured from 1854 to 1859. According to the included factory letter, this rifle was shipped during the first year of production on October 9, 1854. The letter confirms the 90 bore, or 36 caliber, octagon barrel with "no special features or engraving listed." The replacement hammer on this rifle has a beautiful scroll engraving on a punch dot background. Although not listed as being factory engraving, the quality and pattern of the engraving suggests that it was done at or for the factory. See, for example, the engraved Model 1853 pictured in Frank Seller's book "Sharps Firearms" (page 48). It is equipped with replacement double set triggers. The barrel is marked with the three line Hartford address on the top flat and is fitted with a hooded pin front sight and folding ladder rear sight. The left side of the frame is marked with the 1846 patent date, and the lock plate is marked with the 1852 patent date. The serial number is on the upper tang. Mounted with a smooth forearm with pewter tip and straight grip stock with patch box. The barrel is browned, and the receiver, lock plate, patch box, buttplate and lever are color casehardened.

Fine with replacement parts (see above). The barrel retains 60% thinned original brown finish. The remaining metal surfaces retain strong amounts of silvered out original case colors. There is some minor pitting near the breech. The lightly sanded, reoiled wood is very good with a couple thumb print sized gouges on the forearm, a couple hairline cracks (near lock plate and buttplate tang) and some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.