This piece is a great specimen of an early Sharps Model 1852 carbine referred to as the “Slant Breech” or ‘Sloping Breech” model. Often confused with the similar “John Brown Sharps” and “Beecher’s Bibles”, this fine condition Model 1852 carbine is one of an estimated 5,000 such pieces made, and is the forerunner of the more famous model Sharps carbines of the Civil War. The single-shot, percussion firearm is a .52 caliber, breechloading firearm invented and patented by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps. The 1852 date on this model weapon signifies the patent year in which Christian Sharps invented his ingenious pellet priming mechanical system and integrated it into the upper forward section of the lock plate.

Referred to as a Model 1852 ‘Slanting Breech’ carbine, this specimen was produced by the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company in Hartford, CT between 1853 and 1855. Key features on this model carbine are the retaining spring, the comma shaped lever key retaining pin on the right side of the frame near the fore end, and the long 9” sling ring slide bar on the left side of the carbine.

The crown of this example is undamaged and the barrel retains some of its original bluing, which has blended to form a pleasing patina.  The blade front sight is missing and several small, localized areas of light pitting are noted along the forward half of the barrel.  The rear sight is operable but is missing the elevation ladder adjustment piece itself.  Top of the barrel is stamped “SHARPS RIFLE MANUFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN.” The bore shows strong rifling, but is somewhat dirty with raised spots of rust primarily concentrated near the breech. The right-side lock plate is stamped “SHARPS PATENT 1852”, while the tang is stamped with the serial number “14691” and “SHARPS PATENT 1848”.

The walnut fore end shows some dings and dents but retains a rich finish, as well as brass washer and mounting screw in good condition. The barrel band exhibits light tarnish and is attached to the sling bar with an original blued screw but sling ring is missing.  Traces of case coloring remain on the hammer and applicable receiver parts with light pitting noted on the top of the breech block. The priming system appears to be complete, with a slight, 1/8” crack just above the viewing cutout slot on the right side of the receiver (concealed behind the hammer when hammer is down).

The walnut buttstock is rich in color with some expected but minor dings and denting – mostly around the wrist. The right wrist section surrounding the rear of the lock plate shows a small area of darker staining than the rest of the wood.   The mellow brass patch box is complete with an empty interior and the brass butt plate is in good condition with minor but typical light scratching, scuffing, and areas of darker oxidation.

This carbine is an important piece of firearms history with a legacy few other designs can match. It would display beautifully among any collection of rare firearms.  [cm][ph:L]

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