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/.44 caliber), one of the offered calibers, with deep six groove rifling. Early type marking "ROBBINS & LAWRENCE" on top of the barrel, back of the frame marked "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848" ahead of the serial number, and "C. SHARPS'/PATENT./1852." on the lock plate. Modern replacement dovetailed Lyman pinched blade front sight and standard ladder rear sight. Matching serial number "5796" marked underneath the barrel and inside the forearm channel. Brass barrel band, patch box, and buttplate. Factory drilled and tapped for a rear tang sight, with a plug currently in place of.

Good, with gray patina overall and scattered moderate surface corrosion, with clear markings in the metal overall. Wood is also good as lightly sanded and re-oiled, with some scattered light scratches. Mechanically excellent.