According to Frank Sellers in his book "Sharps Firearms", page 64, Sharps only manufactured 12 of these Model 1855 Sporting rifles between July 1856 to November 1857, and that "Only one specimen is known to survive." The serial number range is unknown, however high 20,000. The upper tang is marked "SHARPS / PATENT / 1848" and the serial number, "EDWARD MAYNARD / PATENTEE 1845" on the primer door and the top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight is marked "SHARP RIFLE / MANUFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN.". The bottom of the barrel under the forearm and the inside of the forearm are marked with the matching serial number. The inside of the patch box door is marked "152". The barrel is equipped with a dovetailed brass blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight. The rifle is mounted with a smooth forearm with pewter forend and straight grip stock with a brass patch box and carbine style buttplate.

Good. The metal surfaces have been cleaned many years ago now leaving a smooth mottled gray patina with flashes of the original case colors on the receiver. The brass has an aged patina. The wood is good with some minor to moderate dents, some chipping around the lock screw and overall scattered minor dings and scratches. All markings are readable. The action is fine. What an opportunity to own quite possibly the only known surviving Sharps Model 1855 Sporting Rifle.