Per Frank Sellers on page 226 of "Sharps Firearms," only 17 No. 1 Long Range rifles were invoiced at the Hartford factory and only 70 at the Bridgeport factory, all between November 1875 and October 1879. Within that already limited group, the rifles are broken up into those with 34 inch octagon, 32 inch part octagon, and 34 inch part octagon barrels. All of these rifles are rare and much sought after by collectors. As outlined in the letter, this rifle was invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on April 12, 1876, to John P. Lovell & Sons of Boston, Massachusetts. The records also note that it was ordered without an inscription plate and also notes that "Internal Order Memorandum #1692 for this rifles . . . states that the rifle was .44 caliber with a 34 inch barrel," oil finished wood, and notes indicating a "2 & 3/4 inch bend" and "without inscription plate." Dr. Labowskie also notes that the rifle was shipped shortly after the relocation of the Sharps factory from Hartford to Bridgeport and that the barrel may have been a leftover No. 1 Creedmoor barrel with the Hartford address originally. Matching serial numbers are found on the bottom of the barrel, inside of the forearm (partial), and under the peep sight on the upper tang. The left side of the correct style replacement peep sight base has "161816." The barrel has a windgauge adjustable globe front sight, the one-line Bridgeport barrel address, standard patent marking on the left, long range Vernier peep sight, knurled trigger, checkered Schnabel tip forearm and pistol grip stock with a checkered steel shotgun buttplate.

Exceptionally fine with 85% plus original blue finish, 75% plus original case colors, and minimal age and handling related wear overall. The wood is very fine and has crisp checkering, strong original oil finish, some light scratches and dings, a few slight flakes at the edges, and minor overall wear. Mechanically excellent. This is an outstanding Sharps Model 1874 No. 1 Long Range Rifle made particularly rare by being ordered without an inscription plate. These were among the finest Sharps rifles ever manufactured.