Includes a copy of a factory letter that states that this "Model 1874 Sporting Octagon Rifle" was originally shipped on April 11, 1874, to Dr. J.H. Slack of Bloomsburg in .40 caliber with a 28 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, globe and peep sights, and oil finished wood. Dr. J.H. Slack of Bloomsburg, New Jersey, worked in the U.S. Department of Fisheries and ran a fish hatchery (the National Fish Hatchery System was formed in 1871). It was returned and invoiced again on September 28, 1875, to Sharps dealer E.E. Eaton of Chicago (operated "Eaton's Gun House" at 53 State Street) and listed as a "Model 1874 Sporting Octagon Rifle" in .44 with a 32 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, open sights, and oil finished wood. It currently remains in the latter configuration and has a German silver blade front sight fitted in a dovetailed base, the one-line Bridgeport address ahead of the Lawrence patent rear sight, "CALIBRE 44" (second "4" stamped over a "0") on top at the breech, double set triggers, pewter forearm cap, standard patent marking, matching serial numbers on the barrel, forearm, and upper tang; and smooth buttstock with lightly curved casehardened buttplate.

Fine with 75% factory blue finish on the barrel (finished when the rifle was rebarreled by the factory), strong original case colors on the buttplate traces of case colors in protected areas of the action, and mottled gray and brown patina on the balance. The wood is very good and has some scratches and bruises, a streak of varnish on the right side of the butt, darkening at the heel, and mild dings. Mechanically excellent.