This model was redesigned by Richard S. Lawrence and William Jones based on a model submitted by Christian Sharps. The changed made by the former without consultation with Sharps is part of what led to him leaving the company that bore his name. Estimates vary for how many Model 1851 sporting rifles were manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont, for Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. in 1852-1855. Noted Sharps researcher Frank Sellers estimated 193 manufactured within the 1-2050 range in "Sharps Firearms" and only 53 in this basic configuration (caliber/barrel shape/no engraving). Sellers also notes that nearly half of the sporting rifles had double set triggers and half had single triggers like this one further decreasing the number in this configuration. It has a globe front sight, "squirrel ear" rear sight, missing the rear tang post sight with empty threaded hole visible in upper tang the two-line Hartford address behind the rear sight, "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1845" on the primer door, "C. SHARPS PATENT/1848" followed by the serial number on the upper tang, tap for mounting a peep sight (not included), brass patch box and buttplate, and smooth stock and forearm with pewter nose cap. This one correctly does not have a tap on the left side of the receiver for a sling ring. This was the last model before the Sharps rifles and carbines began taking their classic shape and is an important early variation. This model was also the first Sharps used by the U.S. military.

Very good plus with mottled gray and brown patina, mild pitting and oxidation, attractively aged patina on the brass, general marks and dings, mild edge wear, and crisp markings. The fine wood has moderate scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a solid representative example of the Sharps Model 1851 and one of the hardest Sharps sporting rifle variants to acquire.