Sharps manufactured a total of about 1,769 Model 1874 Military rifles with only 441 manufactured at Bridgeport, CT. This particular rifle has the standard military configuration except for the dove tailed brass blade front sight. The Old Model 1874 was a series of mostly rifles assembled by the Sharps Rifle Co. utilizing actions and parts left over from earlier production. This one used a converted Model 1859-1863-1865 action. The top of the barrel between the middle and rear barrel band is marked "Old Reliable" followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN" and "CAL 45" at the breech. The lock and receiver are unmarked except for the serial number on the top, rear of the receiver. The rifle is mounted with a full smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a sling swivel and iron carbine buttplate. All of these Old Models were shipped at the carbine price regardless of their configuration.

Very good. The barrel has a smooth mottled brown patina. The buttplate has a smooth dark mottled patina. The remaining metal surfaces have a mottled gray patina with some minor pitting on the lock and right side of the receiver, and some minor spotting on the patch box. The wood replacement has been refinished with a coat of varnish and remains very good with some scattered minor dents. The markings are legible. Mechanically excellent.