Factory Engraved Sharps 1853 Sporting .44 (AL4427)

Factory Engraved Sharps 1853 Sporting .44 caliber rifle. .44 Caliber 23⅝” octagon barrel with a very good deeply rifled barrel. The barrel length is unusual and if it was shortened it was done during the period of use and done very neatly. The muzzle shows as much age as any other part of the rifle. In our opinion, this is the length it left the factory. The rifle features extensive wonderful loose relief floral scroll with punch dot shaded background on the action, lock, hammer, barrel, lever, action tangs, patchbox and top of buttplate. The barrel shows proper three-line Hartford address and proper patent markings appears on the lock and action. All marking remains clear and legible with all matching numbers. The barrel bears a lovely mix of original brown finish and gray -brown patina with more gray on high edges. The action and lock are also a lovely even and smooth mix of original color case-hardened finish and smooth patina with sharp and very crisp engraving. The lower tang holds factory adjustable double set triggers which function properly. The plain walnut buttstock and forend rate very good plus with nice color and just normal light handling marks. The pewter nose cap is engraved with a name that appears to be “Jerome B. Mourbelt”. The spelling of the last name is somewhat difficult to decipher. It could be a variant of the name we listed. The rifle comes with a letter from Dr. R.L. Moore stating that the rifle was received into inventory on December 28, 1855 as an octagon barreled 1853 sporting rifle in .44 caliber and that it was indeed factory engraved. There is no mention of the double triggers but they are mounted in the engraved lower tang and appear original in all respects. Factory engraved Sharps are rare and this is a very honest and fine example