The Sharps Model 1874 was one of the classic western firearms and were particularly popular with buffalo hunters. The accompanying factory letter indicates this rifle was invoiced on March 27, 1875, to Sharps dealer A.J. Plate & Company of San Francisco, California, as a "Model 1874 One-Half Octagon rifle" in .50 caliber with a full 30 inch barrel, double set triggers, open sights, and oil finished stocks. The rifle has an antique ivory Rocky Mountain blade front sight in a dovetailed base, "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD CONN." ahead of the Lawrence patent buckhorn notch and folding ladder rear sight, and "CALIBRE 50" on top of the breech, a pewter forend cap, matching serial number "C,54439" marked on top of the receiver tang and on the bottom of the barrel, "54439" stamped inside of the forearm channel, and a steel buttplate.

Very good plus, with a pleasing, even frontier patina overall, retains 20% original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance, a mix of silvery gray and brown patina with scattered surface freckling on the casehardened surfaces, and defined markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is fine with a reattached small section on the left rear of the forend, a deep old indent visible on the right of the wrist area, scattered light scratches and handling marks, and defined edges and fitment. Mechanically excellent. This San Francisco shipped "Frontier Used" Sharps Model 1874 buffalo rifle, with just the right amount of character, would make a fine addition to any antique American or western firearms collection!