Even though these are called Model 1870s, this particular example is one of only 300 manufactured with the Model 1874 action. The actions were made by Sharps and Springfield Armory with newly fabricated parts necessary to complete the rifles. The action for this rifle shows no provisions for the pellet primer system and has the 1848 Sharps patent date on the left side. Only 300 trial rifles were made at Springfield Armory using all new cartridge receivers instead of converted Civil War actions. The serial number is marked on the left rear of the barrel and upper tang. The left side of the frame is marked with the two line 1848 Sharps patent marking and the buttplate tang is marked "US". It has a blade sight/socket bayonet lug, ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards, two barrel bands and two sling swivels. The lock, receiver, lever and buttplate were casehardened and the barrel and barrel bands were bright. Full length straight grip stock with iron forend cap and a clear "ESA" oval cartouche stamped on the left side of the wrist. The rifle has the iron ramrod with a serrated slotted head.