This is a Classic Sharps Model 1874 'Buffalo Rifle' with barrel marked: "G.W. CASTEEL/CLARKSVILL TEX" on the top flat. The rifle has a 30-inch, full octagon, heavy barrel, 'Bridgeport' style forearm with Schnabel tip and shotgun style stock. The blued steel shotgun buttplate is checkered with circular borders around the screws. The walnut stock and forearm have an oil finish. The rifle has a dovetailed front sight with brass blade and the standard pattern Lawrence 'high notch' rear sight. The sight, correctly, has no graduations on the leaf. The rifle has Sharps double set triggers with a long trigger plate and no lever catch. The barrel is roll-stamped with the post- April 1876 "Old Reliable" marking followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." in one line. The top flat is stamped "CAL.45" just ahead of the receiver. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT APR 6 1869" in two lines. The serial number "162096" is stamped horizontally across the top rear of the receiver. Preliminary research shows that the Casteel family lived near Clarksville, Texas in the 1870s. This is a classic example of the Sharps Model 1874, 45 caliber rifle associated with commercial buffalo hunters in Texas and Kansas during the 1870s.

Very good. The blue finish on the barrel has aged to a smooth plum brown patina. The edges of the barrel are crisp and the barrel is free from pitting and surface rust. The barrel markings are clear. The front and rear sights are original to the rifle. The bore shows moderate wear but has strong rifling. The casehardened receiver, hammer and lever have a mottled, dark brown patina. The patent markings and serial numbers are clear. There is a small spot of light pitting on the left side of the receiver. The buttplate has a dark patina with some scattered pitting. The stock and forearm show typical handling wear and are in very good condition. There is a 1/4-inch crack in the right side of the forearm tip but the forearm and stock have no other damage. This is a rare example of a Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle in the classic 'Buffalo Rifle' configuration with Texas markings.