Very few Sharps Model 1850 Rifles were manufactured by A.S. Nippes of Mill Creek, Pennsylvania; estimates of total production is 150. The Model 1850 Sharps Rifle can be distinguished from the preceding Model 1849 by the tape priming mechanism on the right side of the breech, and like the Model 1849 is one of the rarest of all Sharps firearms. The top barrel flat is marked with the three-line Sharps 1848 patent information behind the rear sight. The standard 30 inch octagon barrel is marked "45" on the muzzle, is equipped for blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights 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 nicely figured buttstock is fitted with an iron buttplate and patch box. The forearm has a steel end cap and is secured by a wedge.

Very good. The rifle has a smooth dark "iron" gray patina with some flash-type pitting. The reoiled wood is fine with a couple of hairline cracks on the forearm and some minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.