Only around 1,769 Model 1874 military rifles were manufactured in 1871-1877; of those, only 441 were manufactured at Bridgeport. Some of these rifles are known to have been purchased for use by state militias. Based on other Model 1874s recorded in Seller's "Sharps Firearms," it was likely manufactured around 1876. It has a sporting style blade front sight on a raised base, Lawrence patent rear sight, the Old Reliable marking and Bridgeport barrel address, "CAL. 45" at the breech, standard patent marking, sling swivels on the middle barrel band and butt, plain single trigger, smooth musket style forearm and buttstock, and the percussion era style patch box found on early 1874 Military rifles. Note that the standard front sight for this model was the military style designed for use with a socket bayonet but variations are known. Also, it is numbered well into the Model 1874 range but still has the cut on the rear of the action ahead of the hammer for a percussion lock. We have seen other rifles in this range assembled using left over parts from the New Model 1859-1863 series.

Fine with 40% original case colors, a mix of 60% fading original blue and gray and brown patina on the barrel, typical light marks and scratches, some dents in the wood, a chip on the right side of the forend, and strong oiled finish on the very fine wood. Mechanically excellent.