U.S. inspected Sharps Model 1853 carbines are rare; the Army only purchased an estimated 250 carbines and issued them for trials to the 1st and 2nd Dragoon regiments on the frontier, where they were exposed to harsh conditions, with limited surviving examples today. This example is fitted with a brass barrel band, patch box, and buttplate, the early pattern long iron sling bar that extends from the receiver to the barrel band and fitted with a saddle ring. The barrel is fitted with a brass front sight blade and a folding ladder rear sight. The receiver has the Lawrence pellet primer. The top of the barrel is marked "SHARP'S RIFLE/MANUFG.CO./HARTFORD. CONN." in three lines ahead of the rear sight, the right side of the lock plate is marked "SHARP'S/PATENT/1852" in three lines, and "C.SHARP'S/PATENT/1848" is stamped on the upper receiver tang in front of the serial number "8727". The matching serial number is also marked on the underside of the barrel and inside the forend channel. "J" sub-inspection mark stamped on the left barrel flat. The stock and forearm are oil-finished walnut. "JPC" inspection initials ahead of an oval script "W.A.T" (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouche is stamped on the left of the stock wrist just behind the receiver. "64" stamped on the inside of the patch box door.

Very good plus, the blue and casehardened iron surfaces showing mostly a bright appearance with some scattered areas of light pitting, strong traces of original niter blue finish visible on the lever latch and trigger, and defined markings and edges in the metal overall. The brass exhibits an attractive golden bright patina. The wood is also very good with scattered light scratches and dents, a re-glued cracked section at the toe with a period dowel plugged hole, defined edges and clear stampings. Mechanically excellent.