Lot 1087: Sharps Model 1874 Hunters Rifle

This Bridgeport manufactured Model 1874 was made circa 1871 to 1881 (the Model 1874 was not applied to the gun for a few years after production began). The included factory letter confirms that this hunters rifle was shipped on 25 August 1876 of Carlos Gove & Sons of Denver, Colorado, with a 28 inch round barrel in .40 caliber. The rifle is equipped with a blade front sight and R.S. Lawrence folding ladder rear sight graduated to 800 yards on a barrel marked with the Bridgeport address followed by "Old Reliable" ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBRE 40" at the breech. The left side of the frame has the two-line 1869 patent date, and the serial number is marked horizontally on the frame at the back. The barrel is numbered to the gun. The rifle is equipped with a single plain trigger. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock.

Very good plus. The rifle retains streaks of original blue finish, otherwise a smooth brown-gray patina. There is a couple of areas of deep pitting on the buttplate. The wood is also good with a couple of short hairline stress cracks, some chipping along the grain and some minor to moderate pressure dents and scratches. There is a long hairline crack on both sides of the buttstock near the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.