This is a nice example of a Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle manufactured from 1871 to 1881 with about 6,500 produced. The top barrel flat is marked "Old Reliable" in a box and "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBRE 40" at the breech, with "2 1/4" on the right flat near the breech. The bottom of the barrel carries the matching serial number, 160257 with addition numbers "12" over "616" stamped further forward. The left side of the receiver is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO / PAT APR 6 1869", the lock is unmarked and the matching serial number is marked on the top of the receiver, bottom barrel flat under the forearm and stamped on the forearm. Folding Beach front and ladder style rear sight absent of yard graduation markings, double set triggers, blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts, and mounted with smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered iron buttplate. The accompanying factory letter verifies that serial number 160257 as being invoiced on March 5, 1877 to Sharps General Agent, E.S. Harris of 177 Broadway, New York City. It is noted as a Model 1874 Sporting Octagon Rifle, 40 caliber full 30" octagon barrel, double set triggers, open sights and oiled stocks. The letter further states that Harris acted as a "jobber" and that many of his guns were eventually shipped to the Western U.S..