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SHARPS ‘SLANT BREECH’ CARBINE, MODEL 1853

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This pre-Civil War firearm, often referred to as the ‘John Brown’ model, is a single-shot, .52 caliber, breechloading carbine Model 1853 invented and patented by Hartford, Connecticut native Christian Sharps.  Presented here is an original early specimen of that engineering design. The Sharp’s Rifle Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut produced approximately 9,000 M1853 carbines during 1853-1854. The Model 1853 was called the John Brown model because some 200 hundred of them were purchased in 1856 by the Kansas Aid Committee of Massachusetts and then sent to Kansas to be turned over to the abolitionist Brown.

This shoulder arm is in good original condition and bears serial #9,833 but, it is not in the range of serial #s (13xxx) that were known to have been sent to Kansas for John Brown. The 7-pound, 10 oz carbine is rifled with six lands / grooves and measures some 37½” long overall.  Its round barrel is 21½” long and mates to a breech that slants ‘backward’ toward the hammer on an angle to accommodate the sloping breech action. Breech tang is stamped in three lines “SHARPS /PATENT / 1848” with the serial number “9,833” marked directly to the rear. Barrel has no marks that are visible. Bore has strong rifling but, heavy to medium spots of corrosion. The 5 3/8” long lock-plate tang is stamped with “SHARPS / PATENT / 1852” directly behind the hammer. The Sharps pellet priming system is located in the upper forward area of the lock-plate. Hammer, trigger and breech block mechanics all function properly. Lock-plate is fitted to a two-piece black walnut stock that includes a 15½” long shoulder stock with a high 9½” comb and a fore end that is 10” long.

Stock exhibits no government inspector marks at the sling bar area. Stock and fore end have normal dings and dents from use or storage. The fore end appears to have saddle wear from the front barrel band down to the lever. The butt stock has one small hair line split in the wood about 2” long, beginning at the top of the bass patch box. The butt toe has a small ¾” chip missing. The screws are original. The left-hand side receiver screw that held the lever pin plunger/spring in place has been drilled out. The iron sling bar with ring, all present, extends 9½” forward from the receiver to the brass barrel band. The rear sight is missing. Front blade sight sits 5/8” from the muzzle. Metal surfaces of the carbine exhibit a dark gray and mottled gun gray coloring along with slight surface oxidation marks. A few areas of pinprick corrosion are visible on the hammer, receiver and most of the lever. Barrel wears a darker patina with some corrosion spots towards the muzzle. Carbine is fitted with brass furniture that includes the curved butt plate, patch box and barrel band.  Interior patch box door is stamped with a batch or assembly # “944”.  All brass wears a bronze patina.

This type Model 1853 Sharps was the last of the sloping breech pellet primer Sharps carbines. An original slant-breech Model 1853 carbine that would enhance any military arms collection. [stp][ph:L]

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!

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