These Sharps Model 1874 rifles were a highly valued arm on the frontier, not only due to their firepower but also their long range accuracy. These rifles were popular for both protection and hunting and many saw widespread use throughout the turbulent American west. Per the included factory letter, this rifle, serial number 158067, was originally invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on August 20, 1877 to Sharps dealer Ben Kittredge and Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, as a Model 1874 Sporting Rifle in .45 caliber with a 30 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, open sights, oil-finished stocks, weight 11 pounds 15 ounces, and $42 list price. Dovetail mounted Rocky Mountain blade front sight and a buckhorn notch ladder rear sight, with a professionally made modern replacement tang mounted peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the boxed "Old Reliable" and "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight with "FROM/W.COOPER/BOZEMAN M.T." and "CAL.45" on top at the breech and "2 1/10" on the right barrel flat at the breech. The factory letter states in relation to the Walter Cooper barrel marking on this rifle that Cooper was a large dealer for Sharps who had become in some financial distress with the company, and Kittredge may have supplied Cooper with Sharps rifles along with the ones he ordered from the plant. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two-line Sharps 1869 patent date, and the matching serial number "158067" is marked on the upper tang and underside of the barrel, handwritten inside the forearm channel, with "8067" on the interior of the buttplate. It is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered steel shotgun type buttplate.

Exceptionally fine, retains 95% original blue finish on the barrel, the casehardened surfaces mostly exhibiting a darkened appearance with some vivid colors in protected areas, 40% original blue finish on the rear tang peep sight with smooth brown patina on the balance, with absolutely sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is excellent with a few light handling marks, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional Kittredge shipped Cooper marked Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle would make a fine addition to any antique American arms collection.