This is a nice example of a Sharps Model 1874 Mid Range No.1 Sporting Rifle as manufactured at Hartford, Conn.. The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD, CONN" directly ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBRE 44" at the breech. The left side of the receiver is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT. APR. 6 1869". The matching serial number is marked on the upper tang (correctly spaced for the factory tang sight) and the bottom barrel flat under the forearm. The left side of the tang sight base is also numbered to the gun, and the base and staff are matched to each other by the last two digits of the serial number with one number on each side of the index mark. The barrel is equipped with a spirit lever globe front sight and a folding leaf Lawrence patent marked rear sight absent of any graduation markings. There is a mid range Vernier tang mounted peep sight. Blue barrel, casehardened remaining parts and mounted with a multi-point checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a nickel plated brass crescent buttplate.

Fine. The barrel retains 40%, mainly streaks of thin original blue finish with a smooth plum patina on the balance. The receiver, lock and hammer retain 60% original case colors with a smooth dove grey on the balance. The lever has a smooth mottled gray patina. The buttplate retains 95% original nickel finish. The wood is very fine with some varnish loss on the buttstock, and overall a few minor dents and dings. The checkering remains sharp. The markings are clear. The action is fine.