This is a fine example of a Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle manufactured from 1871 to 1881 with about 6,500 produced. The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD. CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBRE 44" at the breech, with an "L" on the right flat near the breech. The bottom of the barrel carries the matching serial number. 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 upper tang. Globe front and ladder style rear sight absent of yard graduation markings, with the R.S. Lawrence patent marking on the base, long range Vernier tang mounted peep sight, double set triggers, blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts, and mounted with smooth forearm numbered to the gun and straight grip stock with a checkered iron buttplate. The accompanying factory letter verifies that serial number 155722 as being invoiced on January 4, 1876 to W.H. Keister of Olympia, Washington Territory. It's noted that the rifle is a Model 1874 Sporting Octagon Rifle with 44 caliber using the 95 grain case, full 30 inch octagon barrel, (possibly a factory error), globe and peep sight and double set triggers. Other items were shipped with the rifle including 2 5/8 inch shell casings.