This is a very early second type Sharps Model 1870 trials rifle of which there were only 300 in total manufactured, circa 1870. This series of rifle was a continuation of the U.S. Ordnance Dept. to adopt a cartridge rifle in the post Civil War years using some of the left over Civil War era parts. The Second models were actually a new manufactured rifle using the new 1874 Sharps action. They were numbered in their own range (1-300) with this rifle being number 10. The actions were made by Sharps, and Springfield Armory did the assembly with newly fabricated parts. The action for this rifle shows no provisions for the pellet primer system and has the 1848 Sharps patent date on the left side. The serial number is on the upper tang and left side of the barrel at the breech. The left side of the wrist has a oval "ESA" cartouche. The buttplate tang is marked "US". Front blade sight/socket bayonet lug and Allen type folding rear sight graduated from 200 to 900 yards. The lock, receiver, lever and buttplate were casehardened and the barrel and barrel bands were bright. Mounted with a full length straight grip stock with two barrel bands, iron forend cap, sling swivels and iron ramrod with a serrated slotted head.

Very good. The rifle has a mixture of smooth and mottled brown patina with some bright gray on the barrel bands and buttplate. The stock is fine with some chipping around the lock plate and some minor pressure dents and scratches. There is a large gouge near the ramrod channel. The cartouche is legible. Mechanically excellent.