Manufactured from 1854 to 1857, this is a late production example of a Sharps Model 1853 Carbine. These Sharps Model 1853 carbines are also known as the "John Brown Sharps" due to known use during Brown's raid of Harper's Ferry Arsenal, or "Beecher's Bibles" after noted minister Henry Ward Beecher was quoted in the "N.Y. Tribune" of February 1856 stating there was more moral power in one Sharps carbine than 100 Bibles. The barrel has a blade front and Lawrence patent rear sight. There are standard patent markings on the upper tang and lock plate, left side mounted long sling bar with ring, and brass patch box, buttplate, and barrel band. Matching serial number marked underneath the barrel.

Very good. The bright repolished metal surfaces have some scattered small spots of surface pitting, with some scattered mild pitting on the hammer. The brass has an attractive aged patina. The stock is good as lightly refinished with some light handling marks, a small crack below the lock, and a small chip above and at the rear of the lock. Mechanically fine, with an absent primer feed cover.