This Sharps Model 1874 Mid-Range Rifle manufactured in Bridgeport, Connecticut has most of the No. 2b Mid-Range Rifle features that include: (1) 30 inch octagon barrel, (2) straight walnut stock with un-checkered wrist and steel shotgun buttplate, (3) un-checkered walnut forearm with Schnabel tip, (4) and sporting peep tang sight. The front sight is a blade instead of the standard globe front sight usually seen on a No. 2b. The chart on page 230 of "SHARPS FIREARMS" by Frank Sellers indicates that only 35 Bridgeport No. 2b Model 1874 Mid-Range Rifles were manufactured between January 1878 and November 1879. In addition to the standard features, the barrel is fitted with a Lawrence, "high notch" folding leaf rear sight, a single trigger with smooth face and die-checkered, iron buttplate. The barrel and buttplate are blued, the receiver, lock plate, hammer and lever have a color casehardened finish and the stock and forearm are varnished. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN." "CALIBRE 40" is stamped on the top of the barrel just ahead of the receiver. The left side of the receiver is stamped: "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT APR 6 1869". The upper tang is covered by the peep sight, but underneath are multiple open taps and some of the serial numbers. The bottom of the barrel beneath the forearm is marked "156548" and the inside of the forearm is marked "6548".

Very fine. The rifle retains 75% of the slightly thinned original blue finish with a brown patina forming on the exposed surfaces. The color casehardened components retains 80% of the case colors. There are some marks and scratches as well as some light pitting. The wood is also very fine with some scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent with clear markings.