This is an example of a very rare Sharps Model 1874 No.1 Creedmoor Rifle that was made in Hartford, Connecticut, somewhere between March 1874 and December 1875, with a total production of 134. The octagon barrel is marked SHARP'S RIFLE MANUFG CO HARTFORD CONN" on the top flat followed by "CALIBRE 44" at the breech. The receiver is very unique in that the tail of the lock plate actually steps down with a semi-circular juncture, which is repeated on opposite side on the wrist of the wood. The rifle has a windage front sight with spirit level and a Vernier rear sight mounted on the receiver tang. The Vernier sight graduated from "0-6" and the elevation bar is fitted with a peep cup. The Vernier sight is numbered "54175" to the gun. The lock plate is unmarked and the receiver has the Sharps patent marking on the left side. The rifle has a single trigger with a checkered face. The barrel which is numbered C54175 to the gun is blue with the remaining components casehardened. The varnished walnut stock has the checkered pistol grip found on the No. 1 Model 1874 Creedmoor Rifles with a smooth flat buttplate. The matching serialized forearm (internal) with pewter tip has multi-point checkering. The top of the stock comb has a sight base.

Very fine. The barrel retains 70% original blue finish showing areas thinning to a plum. The lock plate, receiver, hammer, breech block and lever retain 60% original case colors showing a couple patches of minor pitting on the lever. The wood is excellent, retaining most of the varnish with some minor handling marks and a few minor blemishes in the overall crisp checkering.