For Sale: Sharps Model 1852 Shotgun, Rare and Attributed

This is a rare Sharps Model 1852 shotgun, 1 of 73 manufactured between 1853 and 1854 by Robbins & Lawrence in Windsor, VT for the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company of Hartford, CT. References indicate that 21, 24, 26, and 27-inch smoothbore barrels, all in 26 bore (.564 caliber), were used for these slant breech shotguns. The black walnut stock and forearm are of the style used on sporting models at the time, and have a brass patch box and butt plate and no barrel band.

Our Sharps Model 1852 shotgun has a 21-inch (as measured per Sharps method at the time, or 21 ½ -inch by modern standards) barrel that measures .578 right at the muzzle and .565 (26 bore) about a half inch down the bore using calipers. The brass furniture is correct for this model as are the stock, forearm, receiver and breech. Serial number 36XX fits within the range examined by Marcot while writing his Sharps books. The breech is the early Model 1852 style and utilizes the correct retaining spring of slant breech models (resembles the barrel band retaining springs used on a variety of firearms of the period) to lock the lever hinge pin in place. On the receiver, the saddle ring bar hole has been filled, which is a common method used by Sharps when not installing this feature. The lever latch milling is also filled in on the lower tang, which is another feature found on some of these model shotguns.

Markings found on the shotgun include the earlier ‘SHARP’S RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD, CONN’ barrel address on top of the barrel, between the breech and rear sight. The upper tang is marked ‘SHARP’S/PATENT’ above a well-worn 1848 date (only the 1 and barely the 8 are visible). To the rear of the patent mark is the serial number. ‘C. SHARPS’/PATENT./1852.’ is seen on the lock plate. ‘4756’ is stamped on the rear face of the breechblock and the assembly number ‘859’ is stamped on the inside of the patch box lid, although it is very difficult to discern. The barrel serial number matches the tang. The most notable marking is ‘A.C. WIDMER’ stamped on the stock wrist, left side, above the trigger.

Abraham C. Widmer, born in March of 1846, enlisted at age 18 on August 27, 1864, in the 198th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, specifically serving as a private in Company A. The 198th saw action during the Richmond-Petersburg campaign, including Peebles Farm, Hatcher’s Run, Dabney’s Mills, White Oak Road, and Five Forks before moving on to Appomattox Court House by April of 1865. During that period, the 198th lost 6 officers and 67 enlisted men killed and another 44 lost to disease. A.C. Widmer was discharged in June of 1865 and, by 1910, was known to live in Beaufort S.C. He died in April 1918 leaving behind his wife Ellen.

It is known that soldiers on both sides of the Civil War often used privately obtained shotguns while foraging to augment their issued rations with wild game. It is possible, though unproven, that this shotgun belonged to Widmer, or his family, and he brought it with him for such use. The stamping of his name into the stock as an identifying mark supports this hypothesis as it would help him keep track of his shotgun when it was left behind in camp during duty assignments.

The condition of this Sharps Model 1852 slant breech shotgun matches that of much traveled shotgun. The wood shows wear and many handling marks. The forearm is chipped at the forward retaining screw and cracked behind the rear screw. The breechblock face shows erosion, and the top bares handling marks from much use. Overall, the metal surfaces also show handling marks with a general aged brown patina, though outside of the primer system lid, there is no significant pitting. The various markings are worn but for the most part legible. The front screw, forward of the trigger, is missing. The front and rear sights have been modified from the known shotgun sights seen on other examples, with a dovetailed rear and embedded front brass blade sight. This work was very well done. Scattered pitting is found throughout the mostly dull smooth bore and becomes concentrated near the breech. The action is strong, with solid clicks at half- and full cock, the trigger pull is good, and breech operates smoothly and is tight when closed.

A well-used Sharps Model 1852 shotgun, a rare model itself, and attributed to an owner who fought in the Civil War, fills a place in any Sharps collection. Perhaps more research can shed light on this shotgun’s history.

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.