Original U.S. Rare Sharps Slant Breech Model 1852 Sporting Rifle with Heavy .44cal Octagon Barrel, Set Trigger, and Long Range Sights - Serial 12388 - Only ≈600 Made

Original Item: Only One Available. Well this is something we have only had one previous example of before, and it is really a magnificent and rare piece! Here we have a lovely Sharps Model 1852 Sporting rifle, one of only approximately 600 ever made! This model is the earliest Sharps having the distinctive relief contoured "slanting breech" on the frame, which was later replaced by the "vertical breech", which had a better gas seal. It is fitted with a HEAVY octagon barrel, which measures out to about .44", which is one of the calibers it was made in, and probably the post popular.

Sharps factory records indicate that roughly 600 Model 1852 Sporting Rifles were produced circa 1852-1854, and they were available in various calibers and also could be engraved from the factory. Unfortunately there is not much information on the available options for these scarce sporting rifles. All examples of these are rare, regardless of the options. Some had set triggers such as this example. It has a lovely matured patina of age, showing that it was well cared for during the past 160 or so years.

The Model 1852 was the first series of Sharps arms equipped with the Lawrence patent pellet primer system, as is this one. As best we can tell, it still looks to have the internal components present in the system, however the linkage between the hammer and the primer system was removed. These primer systems were often problematic, and were usually disconnected and standard percussion caps used instead. The lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full, and the breech opens and closes without issue as well. It is fitted with a fully functional "set" trigger, where when the rear trigger is pulled back and clicks, the front trigger becomes a "hair trigger" with a very light and short trigger pull. The cap nipple cone on the breech is in good condition, though it does show wear from use on the exterior, as well as some mushrooming from dry firing. As this is an early slant breech design, there is no provision for any type of extractor, and the cartridges would have needed to be removed by hand.

Compared to later designs. these Sporting rifles did not have the huge number of patent markings on them as later examples would, with only a single marking right behind the breech:-

C. SHARPS
PATENT
1848

A matching serial number is marked on the receiver tang behind the patent markings and under the fore stock in the standard Sharps fashion:-

12388

The barrel itself is clearly marked with the manufacturer information:

SHARPS RIFLE
MANUF'G CO
HARTFORD CONN

An attractive and not particularly common Sharps Sporting Rifle, this example is offered in very good matured condition. The original sights were removed, and a brass insert put into the rear sight dovetail. The front sight was replaced with a lovely period globe sight, and a rear adjustable "peep" sight was mounted to the receiver tang. The metalwork now displays a lovely gray oxidized patina overall, however this example may have had the barrel produced "in the white", as that is the finish retained under the fore stock. The action was probably case hardened, now showing a a brown mottled patina. We checked the bore, and it still shows strong 6 groove rifling, with a mostly bright finish on the lands, which have crisp edges. There is a bit of oxidation and fouling in the grooves, so this rifle did see some level of use, but was probably cleaned properly.

The stocks of the rifle are in very good condition, showing a lovely red brown color with a light waxed finish. We assume they were refinished sometime recently and really do look great. There is a repaired crack through the toe of the butt stock, a very common place to see damage on old rifles. The patch box on the right rear of the butt stock is lovely, and opens easily. The fore stock does not show any repairs, and has a lovely white metal nose cap.

A lovely example of a very rare early Sharps Design, in very good matured condition. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1852-1854
Caliber: Approx .40 Cal
Ammunition Type: Center Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 26 Inches
Overall Length: 41 3/4 Inches
Action: Lever Action Slanted Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.