The factory letter indicates this rifle was shipped on 1 June 1878 to the Sharps dealer, Charles Stockbridge of Colorado Springs, Colorado. These rifles were heavily favored by western hunters and settlers alike for their power, reliability, and accuracy. The rifle is listed as a Business Rifle in .40 caliber using a 2 1/4 inch case, with open sights and oil finished stocks. The rifle has a replacement Beach style combination front sight, the Old Reliable marking and Bridgeport address on top of the barrel ahead of the Lawrence patent notch and ladder rear sight, "CALIBRE 40" on top at the breech, "BUSINESS 40" on the left at the breech, "2 1/4" on the right at the breech, matching serial numbers on the barrel and upper tang, and a smooth stock and forearm.

Very good, retains half of the dull refinished blue on the barrel thinned to a slight plum patina and mostly grey patina on the balance with a few scattered patches of light pitting under the finish. The refinished wood is also very good with some scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. These rifles were generally hard working frontier hunting guns and are rarely found in presentable condition!