Sharps reportedly manufactured approximately 6,400 of these sporting rifles in a variety of configurations between 1871 to 1880 according to production figures listed on page 218 of "Sharps Firearms" by Sellers. Consignor states this rifle was shipped on December 22, 1877 to Schuyler, Hartley and Graham in a shipment of 140 guns, with a full octagon barrel and weight listed as 12 1/4 pounds. 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. They were popular for both protection and hunting and saw widespread use throughout the turbulent American west, commonly referred to as "buffalo rifles" as used by the commercial hunters of the period. This example features double set triggers and a 30 inch octagon barrel with a dovetail mounted blade front sight and a Lawrence patent notch and ladder rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the boxed "Old Reliable" ahead of the Sharps Bridgeport address with "CAL.45" at the breech, and "2 1/10" upside down on the right barrel flat at the breech indicating chambering for .45-70 Government. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two-line Sharps 1869 patent date, and the matching serial number is marked horizontally on top of the receiver and on bottom of the barrel. It is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel buttplate, and a small diamond shaped metal inlay on the right side.

Very good, full of unmistakable character typical of a working gun, with the exposed surfaces displaying smooth gray and brown patina with scattered patches of natural frontier freckling, strong original blue finish showing in the concealed area of the barrel hidden beneath the forearm, strong traces of original case colors in a few of the protected areas, and legible markings in the metal. The wood is good, with the desirable type of wear only seen in a western used gun, with a smooth undersized forearm indicative of plenty of time riding in the saddle showing cracks, chips, some absent sections, and numerous scattered frontier scars. Requires setting the rear trigger prior to cocking, otherwise mechanically functions fine. This "frontier issued" Sharps Model 1874 sporting buffalo rifle certainly has plenty of stories to tell, and would display wonderfully in any western or Americana collection!