According to "Sharps Firearms, The Percussion Era 1848-1865" by Roy Marcot, "Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. decided to fabricate a version of the Model 1852 Military Carbine for the civilian market in late 1853 or early 1854." These are typically without a sling ring bar and in various calibers other than the standard Military chambering. This example is chambered in "60 bore" (.427 caliber), one of the offered calibers, with deep six groove rifling. Top breech end of the barrel marked "SHARP'S RIFLE/MANUFg CO./HARTFORD, CONN.", back of the frame marked "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848" ahead of the serial number, and "C. SHARPS'/PATENT./1852." on the lock plate. Brass blade front and Lawrence pattern 800 yard ladder rear sight. Matching serial number "6441" marked underneath the barrel and inside the forearm channel. Brass barrel band, patch box, and buttplate. Appears to be factory drilled and tapped for a rear tang sight, although one is not present.

Good, retaining mostly a smooth gray patina mixed with scattered brown spotting, some areas of light pitting, some traces of original blue finish around the rear sight and on the sides of the barrel at the breech, and clear markings. Wood is also good as revarnished with some scattered scratches and dents, chips underneath the forearm behind the band, and a chip where the lock meets the frame. Mechanically excellent.