For Sale: Sharps Model 1852 Military Style Carbine ****SALE PENDING****

****SALE PENDING****

The Sharps Model 1852 military style carbine is a unique and fairly uncommon civilian variation of the Model 1852 military carbine. Available in different calibers, barrel lengths, sights, and finishes to accommodate the civilian market, the overall appearance is very similar to its military cousin. These arms lack any military inspection marks and may or may not have a saddle ring bar. According to Marcot, production began in 1853 or 1854 with an unknown quantity produced. Marcot notes that Sellers put to the total sold around 200 carbines.

The Sharps Model 1852 military style carbine for sale here has a 60 bore (.427 caliber) and 21-inch (per original Sharps measuring method) round barrel with a small brass blade front sight and R.S. Lawrence single leaf rear sight. No saddle ring or sling swivel attachment point are found on the barrel band and, in the absence of a saddle ring bar, the attachment point in the receiver is plugged with a screw, all of which is correct for this model. The breechblock is the later Model 1852 style. While a few examples of this model are found with varnished black walnut stocks, those on this carbine, and most other examples, are oil finished. The butt plate, patch box, and barrel band are brass.

Marking on Sharps Model 1852 military styles are the same as other models. The barrel address is located between the rear sight and receiver and reads ‘SHARP’S/MANUFG CO./HARTFORD. CONN.’ The upper tang is marked ‘C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848’ forward of the serial number and the lock plate is stamped ‘C. SHARPS’/PATENT./1852.’ behind the hammer. Under the leaf on the rear sight is ‘R.S. LAWRENCE.’ A capital ‘F’ is stamped on the top of the barrel breech seal (behind the index marks and just forward of where the breechblock mates with the barrel). A matching SN is found stamped in the forearm channel as well as on the bottom of the barrel. The assembly number ‘48’ stamped on both the inside of the patch box lid and into the wood at the bottom of the patch box. No cartouches are found on the stock wrist, which is correct for these firearms.

The metal surfaces have aged to an even plum brown with no pitting. Small, scattered areas of faint case coloring remain on the receiver. Patches of pitting are scattered throughout the bore, which is generally bright and has sharp, deep rifling. The breechblock carries handling marks from use. The brass furniture is bright with the butt plate marked from use. The wood is in good shape with minor handling marks. There is a well-done repair to the butt stock toe that is most noticeable from a chip along the stock bottom (about where the forward patch box screw is located), some filler forward of the butt plate, and a hairline fracture running on the right side, just under the patch box, from the chip to the butt. The action is strong with secure clicks at half- and full cock, the breech opens/closes smoothly with no resistance and wiggles slightly when closed, and the trigger pull is good.

Overall, this hard to find Sharps Model 1852 Military Style carbine has a very appealing look and would fit well in a Sharps collection.
See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of antique firearms before purchasing this item.