These Sharps Model 1874 rifles were a highly valued arm on the frontier, not only due to their firepower but also their long range accuracy. These rifles were popular for both protection and hunting and many saw widespread use throughout the turbulent American west. Per the included factory letter, this rifle, serial number 155022, was originally invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on April 19, 1876 on a single gun order to the gun and sporting goods dealer F.G. Perkins of Waterbury, Connecticut, as a Model 1874 Sporting Rifle in .40 caliber with a 32 inch full octagon barrel, single trigger, globe and peep sights, oil-finished stocks, weight unlisted, and $44.97 price as shipped with an accompanying set of re-loading implements, a dozen cleaning rods, and 50 empty .40-70 shells in a packing case (none of these accessories are included). The dealer F.G. Perkins himself was reportedly known to have been an avid target shooter. Dovetail mounted blade front sight and a buckhorn notch ladder R.S. Lawrence patent rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD CONN" ahead of the rear sight with "CALIBRE 40" on top at the breech and "70" on the right barrel flat at the breech. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two-line Sharps 1869 patent date, and the matching serial number "155022" is marked on the upper tang and underside of the barrel, "155022" handwritten inside the forearm channel next to stamped "55022" which is also on the interior of the buttplate. It is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel buttplate. Includes a full original 10-count box of .40-70 Sharps 2 1/4 inch ammunition.