The Sharps records indicate this Model 1874 Mid-Range No. 1 Rifle was shipped to H.S. Manning of New York in 1876. A Major Henry S. Manning of Brooklyn is recorded in the same year as the inspector of rifle practice for the New York 11th Brigade and is also listed as one of three winners of the marksman's badge from that brigade. Only 102 Mid-Range No. 1 rifles were manufactured in January 1876 to November 1879. Of those, 66 were manufactured at Bridgeport. The rifle features a windgauge globe front sight with spirit level, "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT CONN." on top ahead of the Lawrence patent rear sight, the "Old Reliable" marking followed by "CALIBRE 40" on top at the breech, an adjustable mid-range Vernier peep sight mounted on the upper tang, checkered trigger, multi-point pattern checkering on the Schnabel style forend, a checkered pistol grip stock without a cheek rest, and a brass sporting buttplate. There are no patent markings visible on the action. Matching numbers are found on the upper tang, peep sight base, and barrel. The barrel also has "156860" and "691" lined out and a round notch on the bottom right directly below the rear sight base. The inside of the forearm has "C.W. LENNOX 6860", an unclear marking in pencil, and "1691" in pencil. C.W. Lennox markings have been found on multiple Sharps rifles, and Charles W. Lennox was a Sharps employee working as a stock finisher (see page 223 of "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers which shows a rifle owned by Lennox).

Exceptionally fine with 80% original blue finish on the barrel which exhibits minor edge wear ahead of the forend, 50% plus original case colors remaining and concentrated in the protected areas, the colors aged to a smooth gray patina on the balance, attractive natural aged patina on the buttplate, and minor overall wear. The wood is very fine and has crisp checkering, smooth oiled finish, and minor age related pressure marks. Mechanically excellent. Overall, an incredibly nice and rare Sharps Model 1874 Mid-Range No. 1 Rifle.