The Sharps Model 1874 was among the most popular firearms on the American frontier in the late 19th century, especially in Montana where Granville Stuart and his associates are known to have favored them for hunting and target shooting. This rifle's receiver letters as a Model 1874 Business Rifle invoiced at Bridgeport on July 29, 1878, to William Coleman & Co. of Deer Lodge, Montana Territory, in .45 caliber. It was in a case of ten rifles sold to the company for $35 each less 35% for a total price of $247.50. The barrel (numbered "160367") letters as coming from a Model 1874 Military Rifle shipped to B. Kittredge & Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 3, 1878 in a case of ten in .45 caliber. The relined barrel is marked "CAL 45" on top at the breech and "2 1/10" on the lower right at the breech indicating it was originally chambered for .45-70. The barrel has a blade front sight, OLD RELIABLE" banner marking, the Bridgeport address, "FROM W.F. SHEARD LIVINGSTON MONT." marking, and Lawrence patent rear sight (moved, a filler block is installed underneath). William F. Sheard was a gunsmith and sight designer that lived in Montana c. 1884-1895 until he moved to Tacoma, Washington. The barrel modifications may have been executed in his shop in Livingston. The rifle also has double set triggers. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Fair with a mixed gray and brown patina along with mild pitting, fitting for a Sharps used in the Montana Territory in the late 19th century, replaced rear sight elevator, and mild frontier associated wear throughout. The wood is good with some minor cracks in the buttstock and the replacement forearm and some dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. A classic and solid Sharps Model 1874 shipped to the Montana Territory and marked by one of the regions most respected gunsmiths.