This is a very fine example of a Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle manufactured in 1875. This particular rifle is only 1 of 190 that features a special order half octagon barrel. The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBRE 44" at the breech. The barrel is equipped with a replacement "Providence Tool co" marked globe front sight and original Lawrence patent folding rear sight correctly absent of any graduation markings. The rifle is also equipped with a tang mounted vernier long range peep sight. The peep sight is probably a Providence Tool company product as well, given the rifle was shipped to Providence, and it and the front sight were probably installed shortly after delivery. The left side of the receiver is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO / PAT APR 6 1869", the lock is unmarked and the matching serial number is marked on the top of the receiver, bottom barrel flat under the forearm and stamped on the forearm, (partial 54920). Double set triggers, blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts, and mounted with smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a pewter forend cap and iron carbine style buttplate. The accompanying sharps letter verifies the serial number as listed in Order Book No. 1 and having a 30" half octagon barrel, later termed the Model 1874 Sporting Rifle, .44 caliber, case length not specified, double set triggers, open sights and oil finished stocks. The gun was invoiced on October 13, 1875 to Charles F. Pope, a gun and sporting goods dealer in Providence, Rhode Island along with 4 other rifles.

Very fine. The barrel retains 95% of the slightly faded original blue finish with some thinning on the muzzle and overall scattered minor spotting. The receiver and lock retain 40% original case colors with a smooth mottled gray patina. The lever and buttplate have a smooth mottled brownish patina. The wood is also very fine with much of the crazed original varnish remaining and overall showing some scattered minor dents and dings. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. A very fine special order Sharps 1874 Sporting rifle.