These early "Box Lock" rifles were manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence under contract with Sharps. They are readily identifiable by their hammers, which are mounted on the inside of the lock, and by the rounded "slant breech" actions. Richard S. Lawrence and William Jones were responsible for taking Christian Sharps prototype and modifying it for mass production. The changes made without Sharps' knowledge and approval are said to have been a large part of why he eventually left the company that bore his name. The carbine version of the Model 1851 was used by the U.S. Dragoons in Texas and New Mexico. Some were also used during the North Pacific Exploring Expedition. These sporting rifles are believed to have mostly seen hard use by pioneers in the West for hunting and defense. Many have naturally been lost or destroyed over the years. These early Sharps helped pave the way for later Sharps breech loaders and helped prove the utility of breechloading arms. 53 of the 193 Model 1851 sporting rifles were in this configuration making it the most popular sporting rifle configuration according to the late Frank Sellers in "Sharps Firearms." Similar rifles are pictured in "The Slant Breech Models" chapter of Sellers' book. This later production example was never drilled for a saddle ring bar on the left side (unlike the majority of the Model 1851s) and has the brass buttplate and patch box (some late production have casehardened iron). Matching full or partial serial numbers are marked on the bottom of the barrel, rear of the forearm, upper tang, primer door, lock, patch box, and buttplate. The buttstock was not removed for inspection, and the rear sight is not numbered. The breechblock is numbered "1428." The barrel has dovetailed blade front and adjustable "squirrel ear" notch rear sights and no visible markings. A correct globe style rear sight is in the patch box. The primer door has the "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1846" marking, and the upper tang has "C. SHARPS/ PATENT/1848." The forearm has a pewter cap and "A" stamped on the bottom at the rear.

Very fine. 70% of the original blue finish remain on the barrel which has turned a plum brown, and 40% of the original subdued case colors remain on the action. Some of the patches of case colors are vibrant. The balance of the iron has smooth brown patina. The brass has attractive, well-aged patina. The wood is also very fine with scattered small marks and scratches, a few dings, and strong oil finish. The action is mechanically excellent, and the markings are crisp. This is an incredibly fine example of one of the hardest to find Sharps firearms and is sure to enhance any collection.