This is a very nice example of a second contract, Sharps Model 1852 carbine. These were manufactured from 1853 to 1855 by Robbins & Lawrence of Windsor, Vermont, with a total production of approximately 4,997. These early Sharps carbines have the distinctive "slanting breech" type receiver and breechblock, with the extra long sling bar on the left side of the carbine. The breech end of the barrel is marked "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. Co./HARTFORD CONN." with the upper tang marked "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848" followed by serial number "5117". The rear of the lock plate is marked "SHARPS/PATENT/1852". These early carbines are all fitted with the distinctive brass barrel bands, buttplate and patch box. It has an old replacement rear sight that has a fixed standing leaf with the square sighting cutout with a very high brass replacement front sight. It is fitted with a walnut stock and forend, both with their original varnish. On these early civilian carbines they had a browned barrel and casehardened action.

Very fine with 75% of the original brown finish on the barrel with an old bluish tint to the receiver and lock plate. The hammer and loading lever have both turned a gray/brown patina. The stock and forend are both in very fine condition with 90% of the original factory varnish showing minor scratches, nicks and handling marks overall. The wood to metal fit is nice and tight. A very nice example of a late production model 1852 Sharps carbine.