This pre-Civil War carbine, often referred to as the ‘John Brown’ model, is a single-shot, .52 caliber, breechloading Model 1853 shortarm invented and patented by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps. Presented here is an original, early specimen of that engineering design. The R. S. Lawrence Co. of Windsor, VT produced these carbines for Sharp’s Rifle Manufacturing Company from November 1854 until December 1856. Production then transferred to the Hartford, Connecticut facility until 1858. A total of approximately 10,500 M1853 carbines were made. Called the John Brown model because upwards of 900 hundred of them were purchased in 1856 by the “Emigrant Aid Society” of Massachusetts and sent to Kansas to be turned over to the abolitionist Brown.

This carbine is in fine original condition and bears serial #11952. The 7 pound, 10 oz carbine is rifled with six lands / grooves and measures some 37½” long overall. Bore is strong but has moderate scattered areas of rust pitting. Should clean up to semi-bright. Round barrel is 21½” long and mates to a receiver that slants ‘back’ at an angle. Receiver tang is stamped in three lines “SHARPS / PATENT / 1848” with the serial number “11952” marked directly to the rear. Barrel is marked between the front sight and barrel band with “SHARP’S RIFLE / MANUFG CO. / HARTFORD, CONN.” Lockplate is stamped with “SHARPS / PATENT / 1852” directly behind the hammer. Stampings are sharp.

The Sharps pellet priming system is located in the upper froward area of the lockplate and is missing the slide front screw. Mechanics are crisp. Lockplate is fitted to a two-piece black walnut stock that includes a 15½” long butt stock with a high 9½” comb and a forend that is 10” long. Bottom of forend suffers from a 3½” long crack that runs from the operating lever to middle of forend. Stock features the brass patchbox in excellent condition. Stock and forend appear never to have been cleaned. Shoulder stock exhibits light dings, dents and scuffing from age and use. No chipping. Has no government inspector-marks or cartouches.

All lock screws are original and in good condition, not buggered. The 9½” long, iron sling bar with ring is strong and tight. Carbine has a folding, sliding elevation-bar rear sight while the brass blade front sight sits ¾” from the muzzle. Metal surfaces of the carbine show a medium gray patina along with moderate pitting and few light surface nicks. Carbine is fitted with brass furniture that includes the curved butt plate, patch box and barrel band. All brass wears a pleasing, uncleaned bronze patina.

This type Model 1853 Sharps is the last of the sloping breech pellet primer Sharps carbines. A fine, original slant-breech Model 1853 carbine.

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