This model was redesigned by Richard S. Lawrence and William Jones based on a model submitted by Christian Sharps. The change 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, tang peep sight, "ROBBINS/& LAWRENCE" on top of the barrel in the breech section, "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1845" on the primer door, "C. SHARPS PATENT/1848" followed by the serial number on the upper tang, brass patch box and buttplate, and smooth stock and forearm with pewter nose cap. 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. The silver plated patch box door is inscribed "GEORGE L. HAVEMEYER" and has the partial serial number stamped on the inside. A man by that name appears in period directories and newspapers for New York City as a carpenter, assessor, school commissioner, and member of the Committee on Buildings and Repairs of the New York City Board of Education. He died in November 1860.

Very good with thin but visible silver plating and a distinct inscription on the patch box, mottled gray and brown patina, some faint pitting, and minor marks and scratches. The re-oiled wood is fine and has mostly smooth surfaces, a spliced repair at the toe, some light scrapes and pressure marks, and mild edge wear. Mechanically excellent. This is a solid example of an important and early Sharps model.