The included factory letter indicates this rifle is one of 75 rifles shipped to J.P. Lower in Denver, Colorado. John Pray Lower (1833-1917) was a talented gunsmith and marksman and was one of Sharps' main dealers in the West. He reportedly counted Buffalo Bill Cody, Kit Carson, George and Tom Custer and many others among his customers as well as various lesser known buffalo hunters, frontiersmen, Native Americans, and more. As noted in the letter and page 253 of "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers, the special D series rifles were all manufactured in 1880 using left over Model 1874 action and shotgun lock plates. The barrels and other components were also generally left over or recycled components, but this one appears to have been built with a new barrel given the lack of a prior serial number. The script "LLLL" markings on the bottom of the barrel are noted in the letter as theoretically representing modifications by Lower, but these same markings have been noted on other Sharps rifles without Lower markings including at least one Model 1878. According to Sellers, of the 75 Lower rifles built, 31 had 30 inch octagon barrels and were chambered for .45-70 ammunition (45 2 1/10 Sharps). The rifle features a blade front sight on a dovetailed base, Lawrence patent style rear sight, "OLD RELIABLE" and the Bridgeport address ahead of the rear sight, "J.P. LOWER/DENVER CO" at an angle behind the rear sight, "CAL 45 2 1/10" on the left barrel flat, "51" and the "LLLL" marking on the bottom of the barrel, "51" on the end of the forearm, "D" perpendicularly over "51" on the upper tang, "51" on the back of the lock, plain trigger, and checkered steel shotgun buttplate. Also includes a letter from Kurt Saxon stating this is one of the best condition Lower-Sharps Model 1877s and "a true fine for a serious collector of early American antique firearms." A box of five .45 2 7/8 inch Sharps cartridges by the Union Metallic Cartridge Co. in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is included (not compatible).

Very good. The partially refinished barrel has a blend of cold blue and brown patina. The casehardened components have a mottled blend of faint original case colors and brown and gray patina. There is some light oxidation. The wood is also very good and has smooth oiled surfaces, a few minor chips at the edges of the inlets, multiple hairline cracks on the buttstock, and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The cartridge box is very good with mild storage wear and tape residue. This is a very rare and desirable Sharps rifle. Given the small number originally manufactured and the fact that many saw hard use, Model 1877/Special Model 1874 rifles are very hard to find in any condition.