This is a Model 1852 Sharps Carbine, more commonly referred to as the "Slant, or Slanting Breech" Sharps. There were approximately 5000 of these carbines made between 1853 and 1855. They were manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence of Windsor, Vt. for the Sharps Rifle Company. This little jewel has a 21 1/2" round barrel chambered in .52 caliber. Originally all iron hardware was blued or casehardened. This one has been cleaned long ago and now has a silvery and aged salt and pepper patina over the whole gun. The bore is good and has very good rifling showing. Stamped on the top of the barrel behind the rear sight in three lines is "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFg CO./HARTFORD.CONN". The front sight is a brass blade type, while the rear sight is a "squirrels ear" design flip up type. The serial number of 5549 is stamped on the bottom of the barrel, matching the serial number 5549 on the breech tang. Also stamped on the tang in three lines is "C.SHARPS/PATENT/1848". The mechanics work perfectly on this carbine. Sharps patent pellet priming system is incorporated in the lockplate. The patchbox, butt plate and barrel band are made of brass and have aged back to an eye pleasing mellow golden patina. Stamped into the patchbox and the cover is the number 69. The saddle bar and ring are present. It mounts to the receiver and the brass barrel band. The Model 1852 was the first Sharps to have the distinctive "slanting breech". 225 of these carbines were bought by the government around 1854 and issued to US Dragoons stationed out west fighting Indians, primarily the 2nd Dragoons. The walnut stock and forearm are a beautiful chocolate brown and are practically flawless. There are no visible inspectors cartouches on the stock, that;s not to say they haven't been worn off from handling. This is a beautiful carbine that saw service in the early days of the Indian Wars, as well as use by both the Northern and Southern cavalry during the Civil War. It will absolutely make your collection pop!

Item # AA1105

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