Per Frank Sellers in "Sharps Firearms," only 1,604 Business Rifles were manufactured between August 1876 and September 1880 at the Bridgeport factory. Some of these rifles, including this one, were shipped West where the .45-70 cartridge was in wide use thanks to both the U.S. Army and buffalo hunters. The factory letter indicates it was invoiced on August 5, 1878, to William Coleman & Co. of Butte City, Montana Territory, as a Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45-100. The caliber is apparently an error given the barrel is marked "2 1/10" to the right at the breech and has the matching serial number on the bottom. There were five rifles in the order in each .45-70 and .45-100 noted in the factory letter. Based on factory records, William Coleman & Co. received a total of 20 Model 1874 Business rifles of which 10 were shipped to the Butte location. A grand total of 169 Model 1874 Business rifles were shipped to Montana. This rare rifle has a globe front sight, standard Sharps markings, notch and ladder rear sight, "45 BUSINESS" on top at the breech, matching serial numbers on the forearm (partial in pencil), barrel, and upper tang; adjustable double set triggers, and smooth stock and forearm.