Per the included copy of a factory letter, this Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle was invoiced at the Hartford factory on April 29th, 1875, to O.E. Pillard in New Britain, Connecticut (local, near the factory) in .40 caliber with a 30 inch octagon barrel, double triggers, globe and peep sights, oil finished stocks, and further states, "The weight was not listed, but the price of $47 less 15% suggests that it was a rifle of standard weight, i.e., up to 12 pounds." The Sharps letter states Oliver E. Pillard was an employee of Stanley Works, although research has uncovered he may have instead been an employee of the New Britain bank lock company as a lock inventor and has a number of patents taken out for some very advanced designs. Old newspaper articles show he also competed in and won some shooting competitions in the Hartford area in the mid to late 1870s, possibly with this exact Sharps rifle, including a 1st place in an August 21st, 1876 competition held by the German rifle club, and a 1st place in an "Off-Hand" match held by the Connecticut rifle association on June 29th, 1878. Per the consignor the rifle was purchased a few years ago within twenty miles of where it was originally shipped. The rifle has its rare original Sharps tang peep and globe front sights that have never been disturbed, heavier than standard barrel with the desirable Hartford collar and address, Lawrence patent notch and ladder rear sight, standard markings, pewter forend cap, and a highly figured straight buttstock with an uncommon type of Sharps factory silver plated brass buttplate (see Roy Marcot's "Sharps Firearms", page 151). Matching serial number "C,54378" marked on the upper tang of the receiver underneath the peep sight and on the underside of the barrel beneath the forearm.

Fine as locally Connecticut purchased and shooting competition used, retains 90% original blue finish on the barrel with some light thinning and scattered areas of light to moderate freckling and surface corrosion characteristic of light exposure to a few Connecticut summers, 30% plus strong and vibrant case colors remain on the frame with scattered freckling and attractive New England cloudy brown patina on the balance, with sharp edges and crisp markings in the metal overall. 20% silver finish remains, concentrated at the bottom of the buttplate. Wood is also fine with captivating grains, some scattered light scratches, a large separated knot on the left of the buttstock, and defined edges. Bore is excellent. Mechanically excellent. This Sharps Model 1874, right out of the local Hartford area and a period shooting competition winner, is as fresh as they come and would make a fine addition to any antique American firearms collection!