Sharps Model 1853 “Slant Breech” .52 Caliber 21.5″ Carbine Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,591.00
LSB#: LSB260708WC018
Make: Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company
Model: Sharps 1853 “Slant Breech”
Serial Number: 13064
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1854 to 1857 / Antique
Caliber: .52
Action Type: single shot, lever-operated, percussion breechloading carbine
Markings: The upper tang is marked “SHARPS / PATENT / 1848” and “13064”. The lock plate is marked “SHARP’S / PATENT / 1852”. The barrel is marked “SHARPS RIFLE / MANUFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN.”.
Barrel Length: 21.5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is missing. The rear sight is a U-notch dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, and a brass buttplate. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There is a chip and crack at the belly of the forend. There are chips along the upper tang. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Fair – Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is moderate erosion in the bore. There is moderate pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 5% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are scratches and thinning throughout. The blue finish has turned to a patina throughout. The case color has largely gone to the white. There is corrosion pitting on the receiver. There is surface rust forming throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots. The markings range from crisp to worn. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Sharps Model 1853 “Slant Breech” represents an important stage in American percussion breechloader development before the Civil War. Its lever-operated breech offered more convenient loading than contemporary muzzleloaders, while its distinctive inclined breechblock preceded the later straight-breech Sharps designs. This Hartford-marked example retains the recognizable compact form and brass buttplate of the early Sharps carbine, with substantial wear and configuration changes to consider.
Approximately 5% of the original finish remains, with extensive patina, faded case colors, surface rust, and receiver pitting. The checkered walnut shows handling wear, a cracked and chipped forend, and chips along the upper tang. The front sight is missing, and the gray bore retains sharp rifling with moderate erosion and pitting, rating 4 out of 10. The action is reported to function correctly, and the overall condition is Fair. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P