These early "Box Lock" rifles were manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence under contract with Sharps from November 1, 1852, until April 1, 1855. They are readily identifiable by their hammers mounted on the inside of the lock and by the rounded "slant breech" actions. Richard S. Lawrence and William Jones were responsible for taking Christian Sharps prototype and modifying it for mass production. These sporting rifles are believed to have mostly seen hard use by pioneers in the West for hunting and defense. Only 53 were manufactured in this configuration. Many have naturally been lost or destroyed over the years. Similar rifles are pictured in "The Slant Breech Models" chapter of Sellers' "Sharps Firearms." This later production sporting example has the brass buttplate and patch box. Matching serial numbers are found on the bottom of the barrel and on most of the components. The barrel has dovetailed blade front and adjustable "squirrel ear" notch rear sights and the Sharps Hartford address. It also has a tang mounted peep sight base which is missing the entire sighting aperture. The primer door has the "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1846" marking, and the upper tang has "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848." The forearm has a pewter cap and a modern replacement cleaning rod/ramrod is mounted below the barrel.

Good, showing mostly a grey patina overall with some scattered patches of light pitting and mostly clear markings. The ramrod/cleaning rod is loose. The buttstock is very good with numerous scattered nicks and dings. The repaired forend is reglued down the center, with scattered dings. Mechanically fine. A great opportunity to own a scarce Sharps Model 1851 Sporting Rifle.