This rifle falls early in the 6000-12000 serial number range known to contain Sharps & Hankins Army carbines/short rifles including the experimental models in non-standard calibers. Frank Sellers in "Sharps Firearms" on page 170 estimated these experimental arms were first delivered on November 11, 1863, (6 carbines) and notes confirmed subsequent shipments on January 2 and 28th of 1865, (17 carbines for experimental work at Springfield and one already finished by Sharps in the second shipment and 11 in .30 and .44 caliber in the final shipment). It has a blade front sight, adjustable notch rear sight, screws for securing a leather barrel cover, "50 GR" on top of the barrel near the breech, "SHARPS/&/HANKINS/PHILADA" on the right, "SHARPS/PATENT/1859" on the left by the saddle ring, a smooth stock with brass buttplate, and the matching serial number on the bottom of the barrel, the lever extension, and upper tang. The consignor notes indicate this is a one-of-a-kind carbine.

Fine with strong patterns of the lightly muted original case colors, light aged patina on the buttplate, barrel cleaned to mostly bright with some faint spotting and pitting, and scattered minor marks and scratches. The stock fine and has a repair at the heel on the right, some minor surface chips, scattered dings and scratches, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically fine. This carbine is certainly among the rarest of all Sharps firearm variations.