This is an example of a Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle with a heavy barrel. This rifle is very similar to one photographed (serial no. C53305) on the far left of page 220 of Sharps Firearms by the late Frank Sellers which ends the caption…"marking it one of the few Sharps rifles that can lay any legitimate claim to being a "Buffalo Rifle".The top barrel flat is marked "SHARP'S RIFLE MANUFG CO./HARTFORD CONN" and "CALIBRE 50". Blade front sight, Lawrence rear sight, and tang peep sight with a heavy weight barrel numbered to the gun and double set triggers. The left side of the receiver has the Sharps patent date marking. Mounted with a smooth straight grip stock and matching number forearm with pewter forearm tip and crescent buttplate. Records are not available to writer at time of description, so this one can only get better.

Very good plus. The rifle retains 20% original blue finish (strongest under the forearm) with the balance a smooth brown patina. The action retains flashes of original case colors in the protected areas with the balance a mottled gray patina. The wood is also very good with a couple hairline cracks and some minor handling marks with a screw added behind the lower tang. Mechanically excellent.