This Sharps Model 1874 Business rifle has an accompanying factory letter that lists it as invoiced from the Sharps Bridgeport factory on July 22, 1878, to J.G. Dow of Bozeman, Montana Territory, in .45 caliber. The factory letter further states, "Dow was the cashier of the Bozeman branch of the Helena Bank and was acting on behalf of Walter Cooper, gun dealer of Bozeman, who, at the time, was immersed in bankruptcy proceedings. The Helena bank subsequently failed and everybody, including Sharps presumably, was out a lot of money." Manufactured between 1876-1880 at the Sharps factory in Bridgeport, Connecticut, this is one of approximately 900 Business models made in .45 caliber. The Sharps Model 1874 was among the most popular firearms on the American frontier in the late 19th century, especially among professional hunters in the bison industry who valued them for their power and accuracy. Those same traits however, along with their inherent reliability, endeared them to settlers, lawmen, Native Americans, outlaws, and gold prospectors as well. Though they couldn't provide the rapid firepower of the contemporary Winchester repeaters, their simplicity and trusted design kept them a popular and "Old Reliable" option well into the repeating era. The top of the barrel on this example has the "Old Reliable" marking followed by the Sharps Bridgeport address, both in front of the rear sight, with "BUSINESS 45" on top of the breech and "2 1/10" on the right. Dovetail mounted silver blade front sight, Lawrence patent folding ladder rear sight, modern replacement tang mounted ladder peep sight, and double set triggers. It is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight buttstock. Matching serial number "161462" marked on the bottom of the barrel and top of the receiver, with "1462" on the underside of the buttplate. The rear surface of the buttstock, hidden beneath the buttplate, is stamped with "CHAS P. WERMES/MILWAUKEE, WIS." as well as the consignor's name stamped above it, both likely being collection stamps.

Fine as Montana shipped with a fresh appearance, retains 70% original blue finish on the barrel with areas thinning to smooth brown patina on the balance, strong traces of original case colors visible in protected areas with naturally aged smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, scattered spotting/freckling on the metal overall with defined markings and edges. Artificially aged modern replacement tang sight. The front sight is seated loosely in the dovetail. Wood is very good, with scattered light scratches and dents, the forearm with a slightly lightened appearance, a few characteristic scuffs visible on the right of the buttstock, two period carved notches at the front tip of the stock comb, and otherwise defined edges. Mechanically fine. This fine Montana shipped Sharps Business rifle would make a very nice addition to any western arms collection!