These "A" rifles were a late production item for the Sharps Rifle Co. after production had ceased on the regular Model 1874 rifles. The new Model 1878 was not well accepted by the hunters and there was a demand for the "Old Hammer Guns." The first of these were made up in 1879 by altering percussion receivers, fitting them with Model 1874 parts and selling them as Model 1874s. Today we call these the "Old Model 1874" as they really do not use the Model 1874 receivers even though they are numbered with them. The second attempt was this rifle, with a new serial number range, but again using converted percussion action and left over or surplus parts. This one has "Old Reliable" in a octagonal box stamped on the round portion of the barrel and "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN" at the front of the octagonal portion. There are no marks on the rear sight. The caliber marks at the rear of the barrel include "CALIBRE 40" on the top, "+" on the left side of the barrel and "70" on the right side. The "A" rifles were made after production had shut down on the original Model 1874 rifles and mostly used parts that had been removed from other rifles for one reason or another. "A" in an octagonal box is stamped on the left side of the receiver, the bottom of the forearm and the left side of the buttstock. The stock is also equipped with a patch box, a leftover from the percussion era. The numbers on barrel, 158072, and forearm, 155132, both have 291 added at time of conversion. Marked "MID RANGE" on the right side of the barrel. Most of these were shipped to J.P. Lower and other western dealers. The action was converted from percussion with a ground down lock plate. The receiver is also altered but the remaining parts are new. Double set triggers. The German silver front sight blade is replaced but the dovetail base is original.

Very good with 60% original blue on barrel, casehardening pattern visible on the lock plate and lever with faded blue turned to mostly brown patina on the receiver. The casehardening colors are bright on the patch box, fading slightly on the buttplate. Buttstock has a small crack at the top on the left side, with normal dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.