According to Sharps expert Frank Sellers, only 550 of these rifles were manufactured in 1857 to 1860. The first 50 were experimental. They are essentially the same as the Sharps falling block percussion pistols but have modified actions, rifle length barrels, forearms, and stocks. This example has a round blade front sight, adjustable rear sight, smooth forearms and stock, iron patch box, "C. SHARPS & Co. PHILADa. PA" on the left side of the action, and the matching serial number on the forearm, forend cap, upper tang, stock, patch box door, and buttplate. Little is actually known about these rifles, but they are very hard to find, especially in decent condition. Several were modified to pistols, and many others were undoubtedly destroyed.

Fine overall. The barrel is mostly an even crisp brown finish, mostly patina, and the action has darkened case colors. The patch box has silvered out, and the buttplate has strong case colors. The forend cap has oxidation and gray and brown patina. The stock and forearm are fine and have a small chip on the left side at the junction with the frame and some light scratches.