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 October 18, 1873, to Sharps dealer Liddle & Kaeding & Co. of San Francisco, California, as a Sporting Rifle in .44 caliber with a full 30 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, open sights, oil finished stocks, weight unlisted and a list price of $42. The rifle has a German silver Rocky Mountain blade front sight in a dovetailed base, "SHARPS RIFLE MANUFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN" ahead of the Lawrence patent buckhorn notch and folding ladder rear sight, "CALIBRE 44" on top of the breech, a pewter forend cap, matching serial number "C,51777" marked on top of the receiver tang and on the bottom of the barrel, "51777" stamped inside of the forearm channel and on the interior of the steel buttplate.

Very good as frontier used, retains 40% original blue finish, strong patterns of case colors showing in protected areas, with smooth gray and brown patina and scattered heavy freckling and light pitting on the balance characteristic of a working gun, and clear markings and edges in the metal. Wood is also very good, with scattered light scratches, a few small chips, refinished forearm showing a repaired crack at the front left and discoloration, and otherwise defined edges. Mechanically excellent.