This is the Sharps Carbine that is known as the “John Brown Model”. First manufactured by Robbins and Lawrence, Windsor, Vermont and then later manufactured by Sharps in Hartford, Connecticut. The total number of carbines manufactured is approximately 10,500. Early production models had all brass furniture, including the patchbox.  Later models have iron fixtures. Stocks are made from walnut.  The barrels were 21 ½ inches in length and marked SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG.CO./HARTFORD, CONN. The tang is marked SHARPS/PATENT/1848 and the serial number. The lockplateS are marked SHARPS/PATENT/1848. Sling ring and bar are located on the left side. All use the Sharp’s pellet priming system. 

Offered is carbine number 11986. All metal parts are a dusky gray with light surface rust. Rear sight ladder is broken. The stock has a chip missing from the right side of the tang. The front barrel band and screw are not original. Also one screw on the breech and one on the tang are not original. Patchbox has had some repair near the hinge. Mechanics work great and the bore is semi-bright with very good rifling.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!