The Sharps Model 1853 is one of the most iconic firearms of the often violent Antebellum era and was famously used by John Brown and his abolitionist allies in Bleeding Kansas and his raid on Harpers Ferry. Early Sharps rifles like this factory "extra fine engraved" sporting rifle helped establish breech loading firearms in the U.S. and led to Sharps rifles and carbines being among the most significant firearms of the Civil War era and the settlement of the West after the war. The included factory letter from R.L. Moore Jr. lists this gun as a carbine with a 22 inch round barrel in .36 caliber (90 bore) and noted as "finely engraved." On page 49 of "Sharps Firearms," Sharps expert Frank Sellers lists eight 90 bore "Round, Fine Engraved" rifles out of a total of 2,970 Model 1853 Sporting Rifles and 10,519 carbines. He does not list how many "Sporting Carbines" like this rare carbine were engraved but does indicate that double set triggers are rare on carbines and that "Quite often the sporting carbines had no sling ring bar or sling swivels at all." It has a globe front sight, the three-line barrel address, a folding ladder rear sight, standard patent markings on the lock and frame, a folding tang peep sight, adjustable double set triggers, sporting rifle style forearm with pewter end cap, and classic scroll engraving with punched backgrounds on the breech end of the barrel, action, lock, patchbox, and buttplate in the style of Gustave Young and other German trained engravers. Several components have "E" markings, and matching serial numbers are on the barrel, forearm, upper tang (partially engraved over), and patchbox.

Very good with 20% original brown finish concentrated heaviest in the protected areas of the barrel, traces of original case colors, replaced hammer, crisp engraving and markings, mix of gray and brown patina on the balance, some mild pitting, and general mild overall wear. The wood is also very good and has light scratches and dings and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically excellent. This is a highly desirable, finely engraved Sharps Model 1853 Sporting Carbine with a unique combination of features.