All Model 1853 shotguns are scarce and desirable as only 320 were manufactured between July 8, 1854 and December 1856. There are only two Model 1853 shotguns listed as factory engraved per Frank Sellers on page 59 of "Sharps Firearms." One is listed as an engraved 26 bore shotgun, and the other is listed as extra engraved. The extra engraved example is pictured on the same page and is only 3 serial numbers after this one. Sellers notes that some of these shotguns may have later been embellished by the factory to help sell these guns and are thus not accurately reflected in the factory records. Both this example and the one in the book have short forearms with pewter caps. This shotgun also features border engraving with a wavy centerline at the muzzle, a small German silver pin/post front sight, "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG CO./HARTFORD CONN." on top of the barrel, scroll engraving at the breech end, nearly full coverage traditional Germanic floral scroll engraving on the lock and action, "SHARPS/PATENT/1852" on the lock, the serial number on the upper tang, "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" on the left side of the receiver, and additional floral scroll engraving on the buttplate, lever, and trigger plate. The matching serial number is also located on the back of the forearm and bottom of the barrel and is likely found in other less accessible areas.

Fine with 25% original brown finish with brown patina on the balance of the barrel, 40% original case colors mixed with gray patina on the other components, and light aging of the pewter. The engraving and markings are crisp. The buttstock is very fine with most of the strong original varnished finish, minor cracks at the tail of the otherwise fine forearm, and some scattered light scrapes and dings. Mechanically excellent. This is an incredibly scarce Sharps and represents a variation missing from many advanced collections.