Factory engraved Sharps Model 1853 Sporting Carbine made by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. in Hartford, Connecticut. The included factory letter states this rifle was invoiced at the Hartford factory on May 30, 1855 to an unknown recipient and listed as 60 bore (.44 caliber), with a 28 inch octagon barrel, double triggers, globe and peep sights, and listed as "Extra Engraved". Distinctive Hartford factory "Donut Scroll" engraving, consisting of tight circular scrollwork on a punch-dot background, covers the top of the barrel between the rear sight and receiver, the receiver, lockplate, hammer, upper and lower tang, lever, patch box and buttplate heel. This style engraving is also found on factory engraved Colt revolvers manufactured in the mid-1850s. The forearm lacks the barrel band found on standard model carbines and has a pewter tip. Although listed as originally shipped with an octagon barrel, the underside of the round barrel is marked with a matching serial number, indicating it as being original to the gun. The left side of the receiver does not have a sling bar and ring which were frequently not fitted to Model 1853 Sporting Carbines. The carbine has the distinctive "slant breech" receiver with Lawrence pellet primer. The stock and matching numbered forearm are straight grain American walnut with an iron patch box and buttplate. The barrel is browned and the receiver, lockplate, patch box, buttplate and lever are color casehardened. The lockplate is roll-stamped: "SHARPS/PATENT/1852" in three lines in a panel surrounded by scrollwork. "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" is roll-stamped on the upper tang in a panel surrounded by scrollwork. The serial number, "10853" is stamped on the upper receiver tang and is partially covered by engraving and the tang mounted blued vernier sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "SHARP'S RIFLE/MANUFG. CO/HARTFORD CONN" in three lines.

Very good, with mottled patina on the browned barrel with some scattered light pitting. Casehardened frame turned to a smooth gray with smooth brown patina on the lever and lower tang, and crisp highly attractive engraving all around. Wood is also fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some light scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent.