The factory letter indicates this rifle was part of a group of thirteen rifles sold to Adolph Birkenfeld [sic], a Sharps dealer in Helena, Montana Territory, on March 24, 1879, and shipped via the Northern Pacific Railroad at Bismark on May 8, 1879. Based on factory records, this is one of only 13 Model 1874 Sporting rifles shipped to Adolph Birkenfeld and is one of a grand total of 154 Model 1874 Sporting rifles shipped to Montana. Adolph Birkenfeld (1842-1922) was still advertising that he had Sharps rifles for sale in 1885, four years after the company closed, along with a variety of other "gentlemen's goods." He died in March of 1922 and was noted as "a pioneer businessman and realty owner of Helena" and was buried in the Jewish cemetery. The rifle has blade and Lawrence patent notch and ladder sights, standard Sharps Bridgeport barrel markings ahead of the rear sight, "CAL. 45 2 6/10" on the left flat at the breech, standard patent marking on the left, double set triggers, and plain stock and forearm.

Very fine over exhibiting honest frontier use and care. All metal surfaces have the as found mottled dark patina as you would expect from a buffalo rifle that "was there" but was also deeply cared for as a lifeline. The is wood is likewise on par, the forearm features a literal worn palm impression from a life in the saddle and in the hand. Mechanically sound. A rare and iconic artifact of from the American frontier.