This is a fairly good condition 1853 Sharps Carbine, also known as the "John Brown" model for its association with the famed abolitionist. Although this gun falls within the range of known John Brown specimens, there is no record on this carbine not is it martially marked. It is in generally good condition in terms of the action, markings and edges but has a crack to its fore-end and is missing its sling-bar. A good little carbine that might fill a spot in a good collection of modest examples.