Scarce And Desirable Sharps Model 1853 Sporting Rifle Serial Number 20516

25 inch heavy octagonal barrel. .44 caliber. A nice Sharps rifle. The barrel with smooth brown blue patina and sharp flats with no real corrosion. Both front and rear sights are original. Lock with smooth brown age patina and crisp markings “SHARP’S PATENT 1852”. Lever patina matches the frame and is most attractive.

Walnut buttstock is full dimension, not sanded, with a few expected marks from use as a hunting rifle. Lovely brass patchbox opens and shuts smartly and brass buttplate adds to the attractiveness of this model Sharps. All screws are good with fine slots. Hammer nozzle with chip. Action is good and bore has sharp rifling with frosting in the grooves.

With only 2240 manufactured this Sharps model is not commonly encountered. Pewter fore-end cap is unpolished.