This model was redesigned by Richard S. Lawrence and William Jones based on a model submitted by Christian Sharps. The changes made without consultation with Sharps are part of what led to him leaving the company that bore his name. Estimates vary for how many Model 1851 sporting rifles were manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont, for Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. in 1852-1855, but note Sharps expert Frank Sellers estimated just 193 within the 1-2050 serial number range between November 1, 1852 and April 1, 1855. Of those, only 24 are listed by Sellers in "90 Bore" with round barrels. Within that group, some would have had different triggers, barrel lengths, etc., so examples in this specific configuration are very scarce. It has a bead style blade front sight, adjustable "squirrel ear" notch rear sight, tang peep sight, "EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE/1845" on the primer door, "C. SHARPS PATENT/1848" on the upper tang, plain forearm without a cap, and a smooth buttstock with brass buttplate and patch box. The otherwise unmarked barrel, forearm, primer door, lock, breech block, upper tang, stock, and buttplate have the matching serial number. The patch box has "4236" on the inside.

Very good with mottled gray and brown patina, patches of blue finish on the front half of the barrel, replaced/modified front sight, minor pitting, chipped hammer, aged patina on the brass, and general mild wear. The period revarnished wood is also very good and has mild scrapes and dings, some surface flakes, minor crack at the spring pin on the left side of the forearm, and minor cracks at the toe. Mechanically fine.