Only 12 No. 2 Long Range Rifles are recorded as manufactured per Frank Sellers on page 225 of "Sharps Firearms." The standard price was $100 (roughly $2,500 adjusted for inflation today), and they were manufactured from November 1874 until December 1875. The factory letter indicates this rifle was shipped on June 23, 1876, to Sharps general agent E.S. Harris of New York City and listed as a Model 1874 Long Range No. 2 Target Rifle with a spirit level front sight, Vernier peep sight, and extra peep cup for $105. The letter also notes the "standard calibre during this period was the 44.90 2 5/8 [inch bottle neck] cartridge and the standard barrel length was 34 [inches] using pistol grip and checkered stocks of American walnut." Matching serial numbers are on the bottom of the barrel, inside of the forearm, on the upper tang under the peep sight, and left side of the peep sight base. Additional features include the Hartford address and "CALIBRE 44" on the barrel, checkered Schnabel forearm, patent marking on the left side of the frame, checkered trigger, and checkered pistol grip stock with checkered steel buttplate.

Fine with 60% original blue finish, 30% original case colors, smooth gray and brown patina on most of the fading areas, absent front sight, some touch ups on the rear sight, minor oxidation, and generally fairly light wear, and distinct markings. The wood is good and has some scrapes in the otherwise crisp checkering, minor chipping at the rear of the forearm, light dings and scratches, and strong original varnish. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive and very scarce Sharps target rifle variation. These were among the best long range target rifles in the world in the late 19th century and have long been popular with collectors. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.