Manufactured in 1877, this is a fine example of one of only 229 Model 1874 No. 2 Long Range rifles manufactured at the Bridgeport facility. These rifles were specifically manufactured for competition shooting, which had become extremely popular in North America and Europe in the late 19th century, but were also highly regarded as long range hunting rifles. The included factory letter lists the No. 2 Long Range rifle as invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on 8 March 1877 to M.F. Kennedy & Bro. in St. Paul, Minnesota, who were a gun a sporting goods dealer. It is noted that the original cost of the rifle was $100 less 20 plus 10% and that it shipped with 100 .45/105/450 cartridges (.45 2 7/8). These "Long Range" rifles were one of the spiritual successors to the Model 1874 variation that Sharps had earlier called their "Creedmoor Rifle". A small 1934 dated note was stored in the stock hollow (removed and placed with the documents to prevent damage) which attributed the rifle as having belonged to Marquis de Mores, who was a French aristocrat and military officer who became a notable rancher in the Badlands of North Dakota alongside Theodore Roosevelt and Granville Stuart. A rifle like this would have been fitting for an affluent gentleman attempting to make his fortune on the American frontier, both for protection and hunting. The top flat of the part octagon barrel has the "Old Reliable" marking, the one-line Bridgeport address, and the caliber marking at the breech. The matching serial number is on the upper rear of the frame and on the bottom of the barrel. It is fitted with a windgauge front sight, filler in the rear sight dovetail, and a Vernier peep sight numbered "160109" mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a checkered Schnabel tip forearm and pistol grip stock with a checkered steel buttplate. Also included is some general information pertaining to Marquis de Mores.

Very good, retains 40% plus of the thinned original blue finish and 30% of the original case colors in sheltered areas on the frame with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The refinished wood is fine with a hairline crack in the wrist, a few minor chips at the base of the pistol grip, scattered light handling marks, and recut checkering. Mechanically excellent.