This nice example of a Sharps Model 1874 Mid Range No.1 Sporting Rifle as manufactured at Bridgeport, Conn, was according to Sellers book, "Sharps Firearms", one of only 66 Mid Range Model 1874 rifles produced at Bridgeport. The accompanying copy of the Sharps ledger page, serial number "156975" is listed as a Mid Range No.1(MR #1). 44 caliber with 28" round barrel and that it was shipped on April 6, 1876 to John A. Lowell, 21 Exchange Place, Boston. The rifle has a globe front sight with windage adjustment and spirit level, two folding blade rear sight absent of yard graduation markings and tang mounted replacement vernier mid range peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked "Old Reliable" and "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear, the left side of the receiver is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT APR 6 1869" and the lock is unmarked. Single trigger, blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts. Mounted with a checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a nickel plated brass crescent buttplate.

Very fine. The barrel retains 75% plus faded original blue finish with a couple of minor dings and a small area of minor spotting. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray patina with flashes of scattered original case colors on the receiver. The upper tang has a repaired crack at the upper screw. The buttplate retains 95% of the original frosted nickel finish with flaking on the heel and toe. The wood is very fine retaining most of the original varnish and showing some scattered minor dings, dents and scratches, with very crisp checkering. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.