The factory letter lists this rifle as invoiced on August 28, 1876, to Sharps' Western Agent Ben Kittredge & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, as a Model 1874 Sporting Rifle in .40 caliber with a 28 inch barrel, double set triggers, open sights, and oil finished wood for $40. The weight was not listed. The letter also notes: "Many of the Kittredge guns were shipped to the western United States." Kittredge was often the middle man between Sharps and dealers and individuals in the more remote areas of the West. The rifle has a dovetailed blade front sight, Lawrence patent notch and folding ladder rear sight, the "Old Reliable" and Bridgeport address markings on top, "CALIBRE 40" on top at the breech, "70" on the right flat, "6 14/16" along with the matching serial number on the bottom of the barrel, "7268" inside the Schnabel tip forearm (replacement), double set triggers, and a plain buttstock with a checkered buttplate.

Very good with mostly smooth brown patina overall, some minor oxidation and pitting, mild edge wear, and general light wear appropriate to its age. The frame has some built up old dark corrosion on left side. The revarnished wood is good and has some minor chips, general dings and scratches, and minor cracks in the butt on the left side of buttstock. Mechanically excellent.