Per Frank Sellers, only 1,604 Business Rifles were manufactured between August 1876 and September 1880 at the Bridgeport factory of which, approximately 900 were in .45-70 2.1 inch straight. The included letter from R.L. Moore, Jr. indicates the original factory records have this rifle invoiced on December 2, 1878, to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York City. They were Sharps' largest dealer, and once the largest gun retailers in the U.S. The rifle is listed as a Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45 caliber with a single trigger and an cost of $31. Double set triggers were standard and are currently installed on the rifle. It also has a blade front sight, Lawrence patent rear sight, "Old Reliable" and the Bridgeport address on top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight, "BUSINESS 45" at the breech, standard patent markings, empty taps for peep sight mounting, "156338." on the bottom of the barrel, "157958" on the action,

Good with mottled gray and brown patina throughout, some minor pitting, cracks in the right side of the wrist and butt, a splice at the toe, a few small chips, and moderate overall wear. Mechanically fine.