The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPE RIFLE CO./BRIDGEPORT, CONN." ahead of the rear sight and script "Old Reliable" behind the rear sight. The former mark may be a factory error as Frank Sellers notes in SHARPS FIREARMS: "The careless use of dies has resulted in some odd markings. . ." The serial number is marked on the top rear of the receiver, and "162049" is marked on the bottom of the barrel under the forearm. The left side of the receiver is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT. APR 6 1869". It has a dovetailed German silver blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight with graduation markings up to "8". It has a blue barrel, casehardened remaining parts, double set triggers and is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate. Sharps only manufactured approximately 6,500 Model 1874 Sporting rifles. The included factory letter indicates that serial number 162052 was invoiced October 31, 1877, to Sharp's western agent, Ben Kittridge and Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is noted as a Model 1874 Sporting Octagon Rifle. The caliber was .45 using the 2 7/8 inch case. It had a full 30 [inch] octagon barrel, double set triggers and open sights." Also included is a bill of sale from 1989.

Good. The barrel was likely changed in the period as the condition closely matches that of the remaining components. It has blue retained under the forearm with the remainder a gray-brown patina. The "OLD RELIABLE" marking is partially faded, but the barrel markings are legible. The frame also has a mixture of gray and brown patina. The wood is fine with a crack extending from the front forend screw to the Schnabel style tip, some significant wear on the right side rear of the forend at the junction with the frame, a chip on the comb, and otherwise scattered minor scratches and small pressure marks. Mechanically excellent.