The Sharps Model 1874 was considered one of the best firearms of the late 19th century American West and was famously used by professional buffalo hunters, pioneers, and guides. Sharps manufactured approximately 6,400 of these Model 1874 sporting rifles at the Hartford and Bridgeport factories between 1871-1880. This Sharps Hartford production Model 1874 sporting rifle is chambered in .44-77 caliber with a full 30 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, a German silver blade front sight in a dovetailed base, "SHARPS RIFLE MANUFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN" maker address ahead of the Lawrence patent notch rear sight period western modified with the folding ladder removed, partly legible "CALIBRE 44" on top of the breech, a fancy pewter forend cap, matching serial number "C,53344" marked on top of the receiver tang and on the bottom of the barrel, "53344" stamped inside of the forearm channel and on the interior of the steel buttplate.

Good as frontier issued, full of unmistakable western character with a very fresh appearance, exhibiting a mix of brown and silvery gray patina with scattered spotting in the iron, period modified rear sight as mentioned above, and strong original blue finish showing on the bottom of the barrel hidden beneath the forearm. Wood is also good as re-oiled, with numerous scattered frontier scars, a chipped absent section at the front right edge of the forearm, attractive natural aged patina on the pewter end cap, a brass plate for an absent sling swivel on the bottom of the buttstock showing golden aged patina, and a distinctive period reattached cracked section on the bottom of the buttstock held with one screw and three nails. Set trigger non-functional, otherwise mechanically fine. This Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle displays well as a genuine "frontier used" working gun and most certainly has many unknown stories to tell of its use on the plains. This would make a fine addition to any western or Americana collection!