Presented here 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. It is constructed without the early tape primer ignition system of its predecessor and employs Sharps’ first side-hammer, percussion slant breech design. 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 lockplate.

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 is the retaining spring, and the ‘comma’ shaped, lever key retaining pin on the right side of the frame near the forend, and the long 9” sling ring slide bar on the left side of the carbine. But this carbine is missing the sling ring and the sling bar, and the forend’s brass barrel band, though original, has been replaced with one without the fitting for the bar screw. Carbine has a 21½” long round barrel and features a breech frame that is angled to accommodate the sloping breechblock and lockplate. Breechblock carries the serial # 3306 on its underside. Lockplate is stamped with “C. SHARPS / PATENT / 1852” while its tang is marked with “C. SHARPS / PATENT / 1848” but no serial #. Both stampings are poor to fair condition. Patent stamp is barely visible. Barrel breech exhibits the maker’s name with a three-line address of “SHARP’S RIFLE / MANUF’G CO. / HARTFORD, CONN.” in very thin stampings. No Robbins & Lawrence patent markings visible. Brass, blade front sight sits 5/8” from the muzzle while the rear sight is a small, unusual ‘squirrel-ear’ open type.

Wood surface is smooth with no breaks and wears a coating of old varnish. Forend exhibits a long, 4” crack starting near the frame and extending almost to the barrel band. Stock shows normal dings and dents scattered overall. The brass patch box interior is stamped with the numerals “1001” on the door. No visible markings on the box floor. No inspector cartouches visible. Rifling quite strong and sharp with bore very good with just scattered oxidation spots. Will clean up to semi-bright. All lock screws are in good condition and not buggered up. Metal surfaces of the carbine appear a mottled dark plum-gray. Patch box, butt plate and barrel band all brass and have acquired a pleasing mellow bronze patina. Patch box hinge plate missing one wood screw. Carbine exhibits crisp mechanics. A handsome and rare Model 1852 Sharps ‘slant breech’ carbine, this specimen is a fine, early arm of the military and presents an excellent opportunity to enhance a firearm collection.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!