For Sale: Sharps Model 1853 Carbine

Sharps Model 1853 carbine manufactured at first by Robbins & Lawrence in Windsor, VT and eventually transitioning to the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company of Hartford, CT as the factory became fully operational. Total production was greater than the Model 1852 and spanned from 1854-1857. On Model 1853 and later Sharps firearms, the lever hinge pin retaining spring  used on the 1852 models (similar to the springs used for barrel bands on various period arms) was dropped in favor of a spring-loaded pin (lever key catch) mounted in the receiver to lock the lever hinge pin in place. To remove the hinge pin, the lever key catch is pushed in, allowing the lever hinge pin to rotate and pull out. Outside of this change, the Model 1853 is essentially the same as the earlier 1852.

This Sharps Model 1853 carbine is chambered in .52 caliber and has a 21-inch (per original Sharps measuring method) round barrel with a small brass blade front sight and standard single leaf rear sight. The butt plate, patch box, and barrel band are brass, and the wood stock and forearm are oiled black walnut. A 9-inch-long saddle ring bar, with saddle ring, is attached on the right side between the receiver and barrel band.

Markings are standard and include the ‘SHARP’S RIFLE/MANUFG CO./HARTFORD CONN.’ barrel address, and ‘SHARPS/PATENT/1848’ forward of the serial number on the upper tang. The left barrel flat, forward of the receiver is marked with a capital ‘C’. On the lock plate, the early version of the marking is found and reads ‘SHARP’S/PATENT/1852’. The bottom of the barrel, under the forearm, is marked with a matching SN to the tang. Inside the patch box lid is the number ’19.’ above ‘8618’. Any cartouches on the stock wrist have been removed over time by the saddle ring. The breech block is unmarked.

The condition of metal surfaces is mostly bright with some areas of oxidation and very light pitting. The brass furniture is semi-bright with handling marks, particularly on the butt plate. Bore condition is very good with bright surfaces; deep, sharp rifling; and some pitting in the grooves which concentrate towards the breech. The wood is brown with scattered handling marks throughout, a few are heavy yet small, and the butt stock toe is chipped at the butt plate. The pellet priming system cover is missing as is the elevation bar on the rear sight. The action is strong with secure clicks at half- and full cock, the breech opens/closes smoothly with no resistance and remains tight when closed, and the trigger pull is good.

See pictures for the overall condition of this Sharps Model 1853 carbine. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of antique firearms before purchasing this item.