Manufactured in 1876, this Sharps Model 1874 shows all the spirit of the American West and many of the features normally associated with the "buffalo rifles" used by the commercial hunters of the period, and it is documented as shipped to Dakota Territory, in the heart of the American frontier, and one of the last areas of the West where buffalo could be hunted. It is believed that as few as approximately five Sharps rifles were ever shipped to the Dakota Territory. The included factory letter lists the sporting rifle as invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on 29 February 1876 to F.S. Rounsaville [sic] at Fort Abercrombie in Dakota Territory. It goes on to state that the rifle was chambered for the .40 caliber 2 5/8 inch cartridge, having a full octagon barrel, single trigger, and open sights, at a cost of $36. It also states that the rifle was shipped with 75 cartridges, two bullet molds, a cap awl, and one wad cutter. Also included with the rifle is extensive consignor research on the identity of Rounsavelle. One of the documents is a copy of a hand written letter from Rounsavelle to Sharps in which he orders this rifle. Born in Connecticut in 1849, Rounsavelle appears to have moved steadily westward, being listed in the 1870 census as a teamster in Iowa, and in Montana in 1880, and in 1900 in North Dakota. There is no doubt that, during this period, he would have found plenty of uses for a rifle such as this one in those areas of the American West. These rifles were highly valued on the frontier for their reliability and long range accuracy, both for commercial hunting and for protection. Rounsavelle appears to have been active as a homesteader and horse trader in the area of Williston, North Dakota, as well as many clues indicating that he may have been a member of "The Williston League", a vigilante justice organization operating in the area. Tragically, Rounsavelle was mistakenly killed by a friend of his in 1902 while both were out hunting, with an article covering the incident found in the 3 December 1902 issue of the Free Press Prairie Farmer out of Manitoba, Canada. Also included is extensive research regarding Rounsavelle and his family members. Also included is Vol. 23 Number 3 of "The Sharps Collector Report" which features an article about the rifle by Bob Holter. The top flat of the heavy weight barrel is marked with the Hartford address and the caliber marking at the breech. The two-line patent date is on the left of the action. The bottom of the barrel has is marked with the matching serial number twice, with one of them scored out. The serial number is marked on the upper tang, which has a period brazed repair, the brazing material having filled the first two digits of the serial number. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, an R.S. Lawrence folding ladder rear sight, and double set triggers. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a smooth steel rifle buttplate.

Good, retains faint traces of the original blue finish and faint patterns of the case colors with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, some light vise marks visible on the center of the barrel, and a few small patches of light pitting/oxidation. The lightly sanded/re-oiled wood is also good with a few minor edge chips and some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.