The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN." ahead of the rear sight, and script "Old Reliable" in a rectangle with flattened corners, and "45" at the breech. The bottom flat is marked with the matching serial number and "4 6/16" under the forearm. The inside of the forearm is stamped "6855". The serial number is marked on the upper tang and the left side of the receiver is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT. APR 6 1869". Dovetailed German silver blade front sight and Lawrence Patent marked folding ladder rear sight without graduations. Blue barrel, casehardened remaining parts, double set triggers and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate. Sharps manufactured approximately 6,500 Model 1874 Sporting rifles.

Fine. The barrel retains 50% original blue with streaks of original thin blue finish mixed with a smooth plum patina on the balance. The lock is a mix of smooth brown and smooth silver gray patina with traces of the original case colors in the protected areas. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray and brown patina. The wood is very good with most of the original varnish remaining and showing numerous small minor dents and scratches. The markings are clear and legible. The action is excellent.