The factory letter indicates this rifle was invoiced to Benjamin Kittredge & Co. of Cincinnati on October 22, 1877, as a "Model 1874 Sporting Octagon Rifle" in .45-2 7/8 with a 30 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, open sights, oil finished wood, and 14 lbs. 6 oz. weight for $45. Most Sharps sent to Kittredge were then sent further west to other dealers as Kittredge acted as a middleman/jobber for Sharps. These heavy barrel Model 1874s are noted as particularly popular with professional buffalo hunters. It remains in the same configuration outlined in the letter and has standard markings.

Very good with 25% original blue finish concentrated the protected areas at the rear of the barrel, mostly mottled gray and brown patinas on the balance, some minor pitting, and general moderate wear. The sanded, refinished wood is good and has some minor hairline cracks and small flakes in the wrist, a repaired chip in the upper left of the wrist, and general minor scratches and marks. Mechanically excellent.