According to the included Sharps factory letter, this rifle, along with four others in the same configuration were manufactured in 1875, with three of them (mistyped in the letter as "C,5440-41-42"), including this one, being shipped to F. C. Zimmerman of Dodge City, Kansas. Zimmerman was a German immigrant who arrived in Dodge City in 1872 and quickly began to ply his trade as a locksmith and gunsmith, along with general trade. The letter describes this rifle as being .50 caliber using the 2 1/2 inch 90 grain shell, 30 inch half octagon barrel (since shortened to 21 1/2 inches), double set triggers, open sights (blade/notch and folding ladder), and oil finished stocks ("US" now hand carved in wrist), with a price of "$40 less 20+5%" suggesting that the rifle was of standard weight. Zimmerman was known to be supplying the buffalo hunters of North Texas with rifles at the time, which was almost certainly the final destination for this rifle. Zimmerman served two terms as county treasurer in the 1870s and during another run for the same office gained the attention of some less than desirable characters due to his negative views on gambling and saloons. These characters are said to have been inspired by none other than Bat Masterson and fired shots at Zimmerman and his wife multiple times, as well as sending written threats in an attempt to get him to leave town. A Sharps rifle with true documented Wild West look and character that would improve upon any such collection.

Fair, showing mostly a mottled grey patina with some minor pitting scattered throughout. A dovetailed blade front sight has been installed on the shortened barrel, and the rear sight ladder is warped. The heavily worn wood is fair with missing wood, some cracks, and flaking associated with heavy period use. Mechanically needs adjustment. A very historic documented Sharps rifle that clearly saw hard use in the Texas buffalo hunts which the factory letter clearly suggests.