This rifle is serial number 276 of that original 300 rifles prouduced by Sharps under contract with the Lee Arms Co. It is marked "THE LEE ARMS Co. BRIDGEPORT CONN. U.S.A. / PATENTED NOV. 4TH 1879" on top of the left receiver rail preceded by the serial number and has a "HN" inspection mark. "143" is stamped on the comb. The magazine is the correct early flat sided version with the cut-off device on the left. It has blade front and folding ladder rear sights graduated 1-5 on the "R" marked base and 6-13 on the "N" marked ladder. The barrel is marked with "W.W.K/US/anchor" at the breech. It includes a slotted cleaning rod.

Good. The rifle has a mottled mix of traces of blue finish, gray patina, brown patina, and mild pitting. There is a brighter section at the muzzle suggesting a bayonet was fitted on the rifle for a significant period of time. The stock is fine and has some chipping on the butt, overall minor scratches and small dents, small repairs on the wrist, and some pressure indentations/marks. The action is fine, and the markings are crisp.