(Original letterhead invoice from Spies, Kissam & Co., displaying a vignette of an early design of the famous rampant colt emblem used on colt revolvers and pistols, dated May 29, 1879.)

 

The rifle; 

 

The top of the barrel on this example has the “Old Reliable” followed by the “SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN” address, both in front of the rear sight. Between the rear sight and the receiver, it’s marked “BUSINESS 45” on the left side of the barrel, “CAL .45” at the top of the barrel and “2 1/10” on the right side of the barrel. All matching serial numbers 159528 (forearm, stock, buttplate, receiver and barrel). It’s fitted with a copper blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight which is marked:

                                                                                                 S. LAWRENCE
                                                                                                 PATENTED
                                                                                                 FEB 15^TH 1859

 

It’s mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight buttstock; the wood is in very good to fine condition. This rifle is mechanically excellent with a very fine bore, strong lands and grooves. The 28” round barrel retains some original blue finish with a smooth grey and brown patina on the balance. The case-hardened receiver turned into an aged silver color with a clear patent marking stamped on the left side:

                                                                                                 SHARPS RIFLE CO
                                                                                                 PAT APR 6  1869

 

This beautiful rifle comes with a lot of history and Frontier character. According to the Factory Records this rifle was shipped out on March 10, 1877, to Spies, Kissam & Co., a firearms dealer located at 279 Broadway, New York. It was part of an order for five Business Rifles. All of the rifles in the order are noted as being 45 calibers. 

 

Additional information regarding Spies, Kissam & Co.

This rifle was shipped to Spies, Kissam & Co., a firearms dealer located at 279 Broadway in New York.
A.W. Spies had originally been employed by C&J.D Wolfe of New York and acted as their agent in England, when returned to the United States he established his own firm, A.W. Spies & Co. and began importing military goods and firearms to New York. On February 1, 1866 he retired from the firm, and it continued as Spies, Kissam & Co under the direction of Mr. Frederick Kissam who had joined the firm as a partner a year prior on February 1, 1865.
Although this rifle was shipped to New York there is no way of telling where it may have gone from there. In the western parts of the United States at the time there was a large call for lighter, cheaper firearms as opposed to the heavier guns used by the big game hunters. Sharps Business Rifles helped fill this need.