Manufactured between 1867 and 1881, with estimated production of the Sporting Rifle at less than 2,000. The Whitney production gun is based on the patent issued to Whitney in 1874 and resembles the James Warner 1864 Patent breechloader. The breechblock is hinged on the right side of the receiver and lifts upward to load. Correctly marked only "PATENT MAY. 26, 74 PHOENIX CAL. 44." on the top barrel flat just ahead of the rear sight. The Whitney name did not appear on these rifles. The matching serial number "583" is marked on the lower tang, on the bottom barrel flat under the forearm and on the inside of the forearm. The barrel is equipped with a blade front sight and a two leaf folding rear sight. The barrel is finished blue and the receiver, trigger guard and buttplate casehardened. Mounted with a smooth varnished walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Very fine. The barrel retains 90% original thin blue finish with edge wear, some scattered minor spotting and a smooth brown patina on the balance. The receiver retains 50% original case colors with a smooth dark mottled patina on the balance. The buttplate has a smooth silver gray patina and the trigger guard has a smooth dark patina. The wood is also very fine with a vertical scratch present on the left rear wrist, and overall some scattered minor dents and dings. The action needs work, the breechblock will not open as the firing pin is stuck foward. The markings are clear.