Despite the rifles current configuration, this is a very rare Sharps Model 1874 No. 1 Creedmoor Rifle made only in Hartford, Connecticut, between March 1874 and December 1875, with a total production of only 134. The accompanying factory letter signed by Richard J. Labowskie, M.D., verifies that serial number "C54293" as a Model 1874 No. 1 Creedmoor rifle invoiced at the Hartford factory on March 29, 1875 to L.C. Bruce, New York City. The rifle is further described as being 44 caliber using 2 5/8" shell for 90 to 105 grains of powder, 34" full octagon barrel, single trigger, Vernier tang and windage front sights and pistol grip varnished stocks. Bruce was a famous long range Creedmoor shooter and was a member of the American Rifle Team in the International Match of 1877. Sharps made the Model 1874 Creedmoor specifically for NRA competition, which gets it's name from the target range on Long Island, New York. The NRA rules for the Creedmoor matches required the rifles to weigh no more than ten pounds and have a single trigger. The rifle has a 32" part octagon barrel, numbered "15421", chambered for the Sharps 44, 2 4/10" necked cartridge. Writer can only assume that the barrel had been changed by Bruce sometime during the period of use. The barrel is fitted with a windgauge front sight with spirit level. A Long Range Vernier rear sight is mounted on the receiver tang. The left side of the sight is graduated from "0-6" and the elevation bar is fitted with a peep cup. The left side of the sight base and lower left side of the sight are serial numbered to the gun. The top barrel flat is marked with the boxed "Old Reliable" followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." and the right rear flat is marked "2 4/10". The barrel gauges at 44 caliber. The lock is unmarked and the left side of the receiver is marked with the two Sharps patent dates. The rifle has a single trigger with checkered face, blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts. The varnished walnut stock has the checkered pistol grip found on the No.1 Model 1874 Creedmoor Rifles with a steel heel and toe with checkered bare center. The walnut Schnabel forearm has checkered multi point panels. The table on page 225 of "SHARPS FIREARMS" by Frank Sellers shows that (134) No.1, (12) No. 2, (3) No. 3 and (2) No.4 Model 1874 Creedmoor Rifles were manufactured by Sharps at Hartford.

Very fine. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some thinning on the muzzle and breech ends and some scattered light spotting. The lock, hammer, breechblock and receiver retain 70% original faded case colors mixed with smooth gray patina. The lever has some strong traces of original case colors with a mix of silvered out colors and smooth brown patina. The heel and toe plates show most of the original bright case colors with a mottled silver-gray on the tip of the heel and toe. The wood is very good with evidence of some light period sanding and revarnishing, otherwise there are some scattered minor dings, dents and scratches, with very crisp checkering. The receiver markings are fading, but readable and the barrel markings are crisp. Mechanically excellent. Despite the barrel having been period replaced (by Bruce?), this is an exceptional, historical example of a rare Model 1874 No. 1 Creedmoor rifle.