Only a few, now estimated at approximately fifty, Model 1869 sporting rifles were made. The marking on top of the barrel in front of the rear sight, "SHARP'S RIFLE MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN." is stamped in two lines instead of the normal three lines. The first two stamps are rolled on the same line. The "SHARPS RIFLE MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CONN." marking on the lock plate was used exclusively on the early cartridge model actions. Note the contour at the top rear of the lock plate. It is similar to the previously produced percussion lock plates. While the receiver was the same (the right side wall of the receiver was still cut for the larger percussion hammer), the new contours of the lock plate and the smaller hammer made it look more streamlined. Note also the marking on top of the barrel between the receiver and the rear sight. The "20" marking in the ring at the rear of the barrel indicates a special feature or extra cost item and, in the case of this rifle, that could be the double set triggers or tang and globe sporting sights. The rifle was invoiced to George W. Yale, Sharps factory salesman, 16 November, 1871 as a "40/30/DTGS 1-3/4 inch" Sporting Rifle. The factory was not using Model designations this early, only styles like Sporting, Military and Carbine. The 1-3/4 inch shell was also referred to as the "Short Berdan" shell and was one of the first standard cartridges, used as early as the spring of 1869. The double trigger mark is self explanatory. The "GS" or globe sight entry usually referred to the front sight with the one inch long tube surrounding the front sight blade. When the blade was very fine, as in the case of this rifle, it could also refer to the set including the adjustable tang sight. The barrel was shortened, possibly at the factory as the correct factory cut was made. It would have been used as a sample or demonstration piece to gun shop owners, shooting clubs, etc. to show the new cartridge model, which was much different than the conversion models being made for the military market at that time. Many of these sample rifles invoiced to Company shooters representatives, etc. were returned and sold at a later date.

Excellent with 95% bright blue on barrel 85% casehardening colors on action slightly fading on lever. Some light pitting spots on buttplate. The toe of the buttstock has been repaired and the stock refinished in that area. About 90% of the original varnish remains on the balance of the stock and on the forearm. The action is fine.