Included with this Sharps is a sworn affidavit signed by Lauren A. Davis stating that her grandfather, Johnson Orange Ingersoll, used this carbine when he travelled from Deadwood, South Dakota, en route to the Little Bighorn. At Sand Creek, Wyoming, they were ambushed by Native Americans (likely a group from one or more of Siouan speaking nations). Ingersoll and two other men armed with Sharps were talented marksmen and used their weapons to pick off their attackers as they popped over the ridge. This allowed the other men in the wagon train to dig in. Another man was able to slip away and notify the U.S. Cavalry at Ft. Mead. The cavalry chased the Native American warriors away, and Ingersoll settled in the Black Hills where he continued to use the carbine for hunting to feed his family. The carbine was then passed on to Davis's father who also used it to hunt before passing it on to her. The use of the Old Reliable marking and the Bridgeport address suggest the rifle was manufactured circa 1876 to 1877. The caliber is the less often seen .40-70 Sharps. It is equipped with modified blade and notch sights and double set triggers. The forearm is the military style with a single barrel band and one screw.

Fair with period modifications and an absent tang screw. The metal surfaces display mostly a blend of gray patina. There are some dings and scratches and very minimal pitting. The lever cross pin head is broken. The wood has some cracks and repairs, moderate handling wear, and various scratches and dings. The main repair is on the left side rear of the forearm, and there are also some minor cracks at the rear of the lock and near the buttplate. The action functions fine. Nonetheless, it has great "Old West Character" which is fully documented to have been there!