Very few Sharps Model 1849 Rifles were manufactured by A.S. Nippes of Mill Creek, Pennsylvania; estimates of total production range from less than 100 to 150. The rifle features the distinctive brass circular disk automatic capping device on the right side of the breech. The top barrel flat is marked with the serial number "41" followed by "MANUFACTURED/BY/A.S. NIPPES/PHILADA PA," all behind the rear sight. The barrel is equipped with fixed sights (shortened front blade) and is grooved for a ramrod on the underside. The action has a trigger guard with separate breech lever that curves over the guard. The top of the receiver is stamped with the three-line Sharps 1848 patent information. The buttstock is fitted with a brass buttplate and patch box. The walnut forearm has a German silver tip and is secured by a wedge. There is a brass screw escutcheon for the capping device on the left side of the forearm.

Good. The rifle has a mottled gray patina showing some minor pitting with some areas of deeper pitting. The brass has an aged patina. The wood is fair with a couple deep long gouges, a few cracks and some minor gouges. A section of wood is missing from the forearm (left side) and minor chips and cracks around the upper tang. Mechanically fine.